Is It OK To Use A Coupon On A First Date?

I think I can speak intelligently on this topic for two reasons.  First, I love to use coupons when dining out, and second, I am recently divorced so I am just now getting back into the dating game. Rather than this being an advice-type article, I’d like to make it more of an open discussion forum. I am no expert and one of the big questions on my mind as I dive back into the world if dating is this: is it OK to use a coupon on a first date?

Those That Say Yes

I think that there are many positive points to using a coupon on a first date. First, I think it sends the message that you know how to handle your finances. Of course, if you decide to take your date to a Kentucky Fried Chicken and use a coupon there, more than likely it won’t lead to a second date (no offense towards KFC). But, if you have a coupon for a fairly nice restaurant, I honestly see no problem with using one.

Next, it should give you a great idea of what the money mindset is of the person you are with. If they react negatively to the use of a coupon, it could mean that they are not the right person for you. Remember, money is one of the leading causes of break-ups. “Spenders” rarely match up well with “savers”. So, you could actually use a coupon on your first date in order to get an insight into what your date’s money mindset is. To back that up, I recently saw the results of a survey at Match.com that said that 46% of women thought it was just fine for a guy to use a coupon on a first date.

Finally, I think that some women would view using a coupon on a first date as a sign of confidence and security. Meaning, they would understand that you are above the worries of seeming to be cheap on your first date.

So, I think there are a lot of positives on the subject.

Those That Say No

Obviously, the first reason not to use a coupon is that you will come off as looking cheap. And that is not what you want to do.

Next, using a coupon on a first date may be misconstrued as you definitely NOT wanting a second date. Another thought you do not want to convey.

Finally, a lot of people seem to think that it is OK to use a coupon on a date, just not the first date. There is just too much at stake. Would you really want to lose the opportunity of a second date with someone you are really interested in just to save a few bucks? Especially when you can save this money at a later time? My guess would be no.

Final Thought

As I began to write this article, I was of the firm belief that using a coupon on a first date was alright, and almost a good thing. I felt that way until I got to the last point under the reasons not to. Look, if you have just met someone you find very attractive and interesting, why would you want to “blow it” just so you can save $5 on an appetizer. Park that coupon in your pocket and use it on the fourth or fifth date. However, there are a lot of rewards to gain by whipping out that coupon on date #1. You can possibly impress the girl by showing that you know the value of a dollar, and you might be able to weed out some of the more materialistic people out there that you might not want to be in a relationship with anyways.

In the end, the choice is up to you.

So, what do you think? First date:  to coupon, or not to coupon? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.