SINGAPORE: Is a man not paying for dates and meals really a red flag? For one Singaporean woman, the answer is a definite no. In a post on r/askSingapore, a Reddit forum, she explained that splitting bills doesn’t indicate anything negative about a partner’s intentions or feelings. “I hope to give girls who think the same way some assurance.
Ignore what others say about how if he doesn’t pay for dates means it’s a red flag etc,” she said. In her case, she and her partner have been together for ten years and have always gone Dutch on their dates, which has worked wonders for their relationship. She recalled how her partner offered to pay on their first date, but she made it clear that she preferred to split the costs instead.
This small choice set the tone for their relationship. Since then, going Dutch has become their norm, reinforcing their bond and helping them build a strong foundation together. She also believes that expecting a partner to pay for everything or buy luxury gifts is pretty outdated.
For her, it’s not about the material stuff—she’s independent and can take care of her own needs. What really matters to her is emotional support and sharing responsibilities, especially when it comes to chores at home. “You are not expected to maintain me, but it means you have to pull your weight when it comes to house chores,” she emphasized.
She also touched on cultural traditions like Guo Da Li, saying that these practices can feel old-fashioned and ro.
