RESEARCH has shown that Greater Mancunians wouldn’t pass judgement on a first date if the person they were dining with used a money saving voucher to settle the bill, in fact, 84 per cent said that they wouldn’t mind at all.
During courtship possibly use vouchers if isn’t going very far. Five years and two kids in definitely use vouchers.
This also extended to couples already in a relationship, who confessed that they (62 per cent) would be pleased if their partner brought a voucher for dinner as it would show they’re looking after their finances.
When looking at the etiquette for bill paying with a voucher, it appears the rules change depending upon the occasion and who you’re with.
It now appears it would be acceptable to use a restaurant voucher for a special occasion, such as Valentine’s Day or a birthday, with 61 per cent of people saying they wouldn’t mind and a fifth (20 per cent) of people saying they would be impressed with such thriftiness.
One in ten people in the region (12 per cent) even said they would see it as a way of being able to choose a more expensive option on the menu without feeling cheeky or guilty.
The research may reveal a shift in perceptions with one in ten men in the area (11 per cent) saying they would now expect women to pick up the restaurant bill on a first date. However, one in ten (13 per cent) men in a serious relationship would feel annoyed if their significant other tried to save money by using a restaurant voucher on a special occasion.
When eating out with friends, over half (56 per cent) said they would split the bill evenly, no matter what they consumed personally. But for couples the etiquette is to take it in turns to pay (40 per cent), rather than splitting the bill evenly (29 per cent).
These gems of wisdom came from MoneySupermarket - who are clearly trying to make a point for there own benefit.
The received wisdom in the Confidential office was different.
First date no voucher unless it’s on a Strictly Confidential date. During courtship possibly use vouchers if it isn’t going very far. Five years and two kids in definitely use vouchers.
However a certain Dr Lothario Machiavelli, in Confidential’s popular Sin Today Sod It Tomorrow Department, has a little ditty summing up his thoughts on the subject of romantic meals: 'Once you've had your way, it's time to make them pay'.
Scrooge, The Ideal Value For Money And Prudent Dining Companion
