As many of you know, I've been divorced for over a year. Thankfully, my ex-wife and I maintain a good relationship, not only on a personal level, but as parents to our kiddos.
That being said, I've been dating a girl since December and so far everything is going well, but there are a few issues that are bothering me. Mind you, I met my ex-wife when she was 17 and I was 20, so I don't have a ton of dating experience, especially when it comes to dating a decade or so later.
Back to my situation - my girlfriend is a wonderful person, but has never offered to pay for anything, not a meal, not a movie, not even a beer! Over the past seven months, I've paid for every "out to dinner" meal, whether it's just us or my two boys and her son. When it comes to movies, I've paid for every movie, kids or no kids, not to mention all refreshments. Even though I drive to San Antonio (30 miles from me), we always take my car out, which only adds to insult.
Tonight we talked about taking our boys (my 2, her 1) to see "Man of Steel" at the IMAX. Then I realized, it would cost ME $75 just for tickets, throw in footing the bill for refreshments and I could easily spend $100+ for one movie.
I've been quiet about it, but now I feel resentment. That being said, should a guy pay for everything when he's dating? Not only the girl, but her son too? It would be different if we were married as our income would pay OUR bills and entertain the kids equally, but paying 98% of the time seems unfair. Maybe I'm used to how JTM treats me, but every so often I'd like to be taken out. Thoughts?
That being said, I've been dating a girl since December and so far everything is going well, but there are a few issues that are bothering me. Mind you, I met my ex-wife when she was 17 and I was 20, so I don't have a ton of dating experience, especially when it comes to dating a decade or so later.
Back to my situation - my girlfriend is a wonderful person, but has never offered to pay for anything, not a meal, not a movie, not even a beer! Over the past seven months, I've paid for every "out to dinner" meal, whether it's just us or my two boys and her son. When it comes to movies, I've paid for every movie, kids or no kids, not to mention all refreshments. Even though I drive to San Antonio (30 miles from me), we always take my car out, which only adds to insult.
Tonight we talked about taking our boys (my 2, her 1) to see "Man of Steel" at the IMAX. Then I realized, it would cost ME $75 just for tickets, throw in footing the bill for refreshments and I could easily spend $100+ for one movie.
I've been quiet about it, but now I feel resentment. That being said, should a guy pay for everything when he's dating? Not only the girl, but her son too? It would be different if we were married as our income would pay OUR bills and entertain the kids equally, but paying 98% of the time seems unfair. Maybe I'm used to how JTM treats me, but every so often I'd like to be taken out. Thoughts?