Honestly, I hope a heated debate occurs in the comments on this question that I have. (I have a feeling that at least some girls will have an issue with my stance on this..)
I have been asked over and over – “Is it okay to use a Groupon on a first date?” The topic has been brought up on my podcast a few times, and we can never come up with an answer that satisfies both @A_Dude79 and myself. So – I bring this question to you, loyal fans. — And let’s make it “When is it okay to use a Groupon when you’re dating?”
As previously mentioned, @A_Dude79 and I are split on the matter. He says absolutely no way on a Groupon until a couple has slept together. I’m a bit more lenient on the matter.
@A_Dude79 thinks that the first date is about making an impression, and paying for the date in full, without a coupon/groupon, shows that he is able to provide for the woman. He argues that most Groupons you need to have printed out, or pull up on your phone – and that’s tacky. (However, he thinks if you can use a Groupon without having to present it, it’s fair game.. *Eyeroll.* ..Men..)
I think a Groupon is just fine. I would much rather be offered a fun activity that was purchased through Groupon than a boring coffee or dinner date any day of the week. They often have really fun activities to try out at a discount. We are also in a time of economic hardship – I feel there is nothing wrong with saving some money. And – if a girl is not okay with you saving a few dollars – do you want to be dating her anyway? (I’ll throw in there that in a Soon2BeCatLady perfect world, I would know about the Groupon before the date.)
So, interwebs – Let’s vote, and (respectfully) duke it out in the comments. I’m closing the poll after one week, so make sure to voice your opinion!
Soon2BeCatLady 
But really, it depends on the girl, and the guy, and their dynamic.
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Of course. 🙂
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Your point about using it for a different sort of activity is totally valid and like you said, if she/he has an issue with that then do you really think it’s going to work out?
I do think that using it for dinner on the first date is a bit pikey (a British word for cheap) though.
In conclusion, if the two of you are actually compatible, then it shouldn’t really matter. And on the flip side, if it did turn out to be a sticking point then you know it’s probably not meant to be. There you are. My two cents worth.
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This is my feeling. It is not about the monetary value, but the thought you put into the date – the setting, the ambience, the company and the relevance. No money in the world can buy a good atmosphere.
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If it were an activity that would be fun for both of you or maybe something you had both mentioned wanting to try in the past ( like indoor rock climbing, or laser tag, rope course etc…)I would be fine with it… If it was used for dinner on the first few dates I would not… The first few dates really set the tone for getting to know one another and I would like to think that is more important than a free appetizer or $10 off…
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Considering that I would insist on splitting the cost, I’m all for saving money. Particularly on a first date. You don’t even know if you like each other yet, why waste a boatload of cash?
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I think it depends on what you’re going to do. I agree if it’s a fun activity but not for for a meal or an appetizer as Pheeebs mentioned.
On my blog I have a series on Ten Great First Dates if any one is interested in having a look. No groupons involved or coffees.
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I’m all for using Groupons on a first date. Like you said, times are tough right now. I live in an expensive city, so if we can save some money on a date I see nothing wrong with that.
Granted, I live in an expensive city, so simply going out to dinner can be quite pricey. Honestly, it’s kind of fun to buy a Groupon for a really fancy restaurant and spend the evening pretending we’re super rich!
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I don’t think it should be used for the first couple of dates but why wait till sleeping together, is a bad economy we living, if you’re able to take me to somewhere expensive with a coupon is fine we may even laugh about it later, obviously let’s talk about it first before it gets stupid, some girls may find be me offended by it but not all of us are like that that. Talk with your girl, you may find a groupon of a place she’s been dying to go and you wont have to spend that much money, some girls do understand.
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Only when the Groupon is for a unique event or activity that can’t be accessed easily outside of the Groupon route. Other than that, if you try to use a Groupon for an extra regular date, say a meal at Chili’s, I’m going to be insulted. However, this only applies to the first several dates.
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You make a really good point about the activity aspect. Personally I consider myself a “ballet on a budget” and understand that times are hard, but a guy took me on a first date to dinner and used a groupon I would be a little wary. However it was a really cool activity I would let it slide. To use a groupon for a dinner date I’d say wait til at least date 5 when you’re comfortable with each other.
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That was supposed to be baller not ballet, stupid autocorrect
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Objectively I don’t see any problem with it, but I would definately not feel very comfortable using one myself.
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Fiscal responsibility is super sexy. A guy without debt? Yes please! Besides, generosity is more than just how much he forks out on a date. It’s also an attitude and way of treating others. I’ll take the guy who uses a Groupon but leaves a big tip and is kind to the waitstaff any day! 🙂
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I agree totally. Furthermore, if you believe in not having sex before marriage, it’s kind of hard to ask someone not to use a coupon til you are married.
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Fiscal responsibility is super sexy. A guy without debt? Yes please! Besides, generosity is more than just how much he forks out on a date. It’s also an attitude and way of treating others. I’ll take the guy who uses a Groupon but leaves a big tip and is kind to the waitstaff any day!
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I’m with the “it’s ok for a fun activity within the first few dates but not for dinner on the first few dates”. The first few times you go out with someone, it’s all about making a good impression. It just doesn’t look good to me to have my date trying to save a few bucks like that on dinner. Sorry, just seems cheap. However, if it was within the first few dates (not the first) and for a fun activity, like rock climbing or an excursion, I’d be fine with that. It shows he’s thinking about something a little different or unique to do, and sometimes you only get the idea from seeing those groupons anyway.
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great post, I like your writing style
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I don’t see anything wrong with using a Groupon on a first. I think it indicates my date/potential mate is money conscious. I like someone who is concerned with his finances and does not overspend. However, this is not an invitation to be overly frugal.
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Sometimes you have to be careful – but don’t you find a first date should be a little more out there?
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Coupon (or Voucher Dating) is something that during economic hard times is on the rise. I don’t think it’s a great first date – saying “Oh I’ve got a voucher for that” does not scream sexy! However as a fifth date and a silly bit of fun it can be an adventure.
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Haha just followed your blog, some great posts on here! We are fresh out of a global recession- I’m always pro a Groupon…means my man has more money to spend on second, third and fourth dates, surely?! X
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