AITA for telling my blind date she has to split the $800 dinner bill because “she ordered the lobster”?

Oh, the trials and tribulations of modern dating! First dates are always a minefield, aren't they? You're trying to make a good impression, gauge compatibility, and navigate unspoken rules of etiquette. It's a delicate dance, especially when it comes to the bill at the end of the evening. Who pays? Does it depend on who asked whom? Or is it an unspoken expectation that one person foots the entire cost? This week's AITA post dives headfirst into that very murky water.

Our anonymous poster found themselves in a truly uncomfortable situation on a blind date, one that escalated rapidly over a rather exorbitant dinner tab. The central conflict revolves around a single, pricey menu item and the subsequent demand for an equitable (in the poster's eyes) split. It's a tale of assumptions, expectations, and a very expensive seafood dish. Let's dig into the details and see if our community thinks they were justified, or if they just committed a cardinal sin of dating.

"AITA for telling my blind date she has to split the $800 dinner bill because “she ordered the lobster”?"

This situation is a classic example of conflicting expectations on a first date, especially when money is involved. On one hand, the poster did explicitly say, "Order whatever you like, I'm happy to treat tonight." This statement, while seemingly generous, can be interpreted very broadly. For some, it means "don't hold back within reason." For others, it's a blank check. Sarah clearly took it as the latter, and it's understandable why she might feel blindsided when the offer was rescinded, or at least significantly qualified, at the end of the meal.

However, Sarah's choice to order the most expensive item, a $450 platter for two that she largely consumed herself, without any consideration for her date's potential budget, also raises questions about her own etiquette. While it's tempting to take a host's offer at face value, common courtesy often dictates a certain level of moderation, particularly on a first date with someone you don't know well. A brief "Are you sure this is okay?" or suggesting a less extravagant option might have averted the entire conflict.

The poster's frustration is palpable. To go from expecting a "splurge" of $200-$300 to being hit with an $800 bill due to one extravagant order is a significant financial shock. His attempt to rectify the situation at the table, while perhaps poorly executed, stems from a feeling of being taken advantage of. He felt his generosity was exploited, and that's a tough pill to swallow. The timing of the discussion, however, right when the bill arrived, put everyone on the spot.

Ultimately, this is a communication breakdown exacerbated by high costs. Neither party truly communicated their expectations or boundaries beforehand. The poster should have been clearer about his budget or guided the ordering process, and Sarah should have been more considerate and communicative about her intentions for ordering such an expensive item. Both could have handled the situation with more grace and directness, preventing a very awkward and costly end to the evening.

The Internet Weighs In: Who's Really Shelling Out?

The comments section for this one is absolutely boiling! There's a clear divide, with many Redditors pointing fingers at the original poster (OP) for making an open-ended offer and then backtracking. "If you say 'order anything,' you better be prepared for 'anything'!" is a common sentiment. They argue that OP set the expectation and then failed to meet it, making him the A-hole for embarrassing his date publicly. The consensus here is that you either commit to your words or communicate boundaries upfront.

On the other side, a significant number of users are lambasting Sarah for her perceived entitlement and lack of consideration. "Ordering a $450 platter on a first date is wildly inappropriate, even with an open offer," many state. They suggest that common decency dictates not exploiting someone's generosity, especially when you're essentially strangers. The "eats for two" aspect of the platter also came under fire, with some accusing her of being deliberately greedy. It's clear that both sides have strong opinions on dating etiquette and financial boundaries.

What a whirlwind of a date, and a bill that sparked a fiery debate! This story truly highlights the often-unspoken rules and assumptions that permeate modern dating. While the poster might have intended a generous gesture, the execution, coupled with Sarah's extravagant choice, led to an undeniable clash. There's no single right answer, but it's a stark reminder that clear communication and setting expectations (or having a very robust budget!) are crucial before uttering those fateful words, "Order whatever you like." Perhaps next time, a coffee date?