As a newly single woman, I have been able to get a free meal here and there from friends, guys who want to take me out and even my family. Getting someone to pay for your meal or your drinks seems a lot harder than it actually is. Here are a few ways to get it done:
- Be a girl. This will be the one and only sexist point on the list. But seriously, girls can get their meals (and drinks) paid for pretty easily, especially if you are younger. If you go to a bar and flirt a little, chances are a guy will buy you a drink or two. If you are asked out on a date, nine times out of 10, the guy will be paying for the meal. Just be receptive to it.
- Just say yes (to the food that is). If someone wants to buy you a meal, don’t do that whole, “oh, no… I wouldn’t want you to pay for my food.” Everyone likes food, especially when it is free.
- Accept dates. Again, this usually only applies to girls. However, if you accept a date, you may be getting a free meal out of it. Most of the time, when someone asks you out (especially as a woman), they are expecting to pay for the date.
- Be friendly. This one is a biggie. If you don’t continue a conversation after you’ve gotten your free drink or meal, the person is going to feel used. Even if you are using them, you definitely don’t want to put off that vibe. Continue conversation until the meal or drink is done and then thank them and be on your way if you’re not interested in pursuing a friendship or a night cap with the person.
- Be prepared to pay. If you are headed out to the bar for the night, always be prepared to pay your own tab. This is the same for going out to dinner with someone. If you go out with no money, you may find yourself in a very sticky situation — or a very bubbly one (washing dishes). Always be prepared to pay your own, but be friendly and don’t fight them if they want to pay for a drink or two (or dinner).
- Don’t turn down the family dinner. Obviously, the majority of this posting surrounds the bar and restaurant scene, but don’t forget if someone else is making you food it is free too. If your mother, grandmother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend or anyone invites you over for a home-cooked meal, take it! Always offer to bring something, but don’t fight them if they say “just bring yourself.”
- Lastly, don’t put yourself in a bad situation. This goes for men and women alike. Never put yourself in a situation where the person paying for you expects more than a hug after dinner or the drinks. Like I stated before, always be prepared to pay your own (and drive your own car or have Uber handy in case of a need for a quick escape).
- Have fun! If you are out and about meeting people, have fun with it. Enjoy the free things as they come, but enjoy the company you keep and the people you meet even more.
Photo: Flickr: Adam Hirschhorn
Amanda Blankenship is a full-time stay-at-home mom. Her family recently welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world. She loves writing about various topics, including politics and personal finance. In her spare time, Amanda loves to play with her kids, make food from scratch, crochet, and read.
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