Is It Ever OK To Use Groupon On A Date?

Is a guy cheap if he uses flash deals to pay?

True, guys should probably pay closer attention to who they are asking out before they decide whether or not to whip out the Scoutmob. If your date's handbag cost three times as much as your car note, there is a chance that she's going to trip off of you not putting your best dollar forward when in her presence. If her idea of a good time mainly consists of having money spent on her just for the hell of it, best believe she's going to want every penny dedicated to her, not just 50 percent.

However, not everybody thinks it's a big deal if a Groupon is used.

Self-employed travel booking agent Cynthia Charles said no man has used a flash deal site on an outing with her, but if he did, she wouldn't mind.

"If he did and we did something fun and fabulous I would be a-ok with it," she said. "I see him as being financially responsible. If there are discounts, why not take advantage of it?"

Not surprisingly, guys seem to agree wholeheartedly.

"I can see a female thinking that a guy is cheap on first impression. However, the guy is paying for the date; you should be happy," said Branden Peters, a lifestyle writer from Oakland. "A lot of people don't have disposable income.

"I think it's easier and more acceptable for something that's not a sit-down date," he added, "but something that you're buying tickets for instead of a restaurant visit."

It sounds like the ladies don't mind guys using Groupons on dates; it just depends on what it is. So guys, if you're wanting to take the young lady out on a helicopter ride, LivingSocial is all good. But if you're going out for steak, shrimp and the "cheddar biscuits," you're going to have to spend your cheese. Unless you're lucky like Washington, D.C.-based writer Justin Tinsley, and you find someone who may treat you to a Groupon date in the future.

"Groupon and LivingSocial are godsends," he said, remembering the last time he used one on a date. "She was like, 'Damn; word? I'm 'bout to sign up for this too, save me some money.'"

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