Part of the reason for Michael's dilemma is that the rules, often vague, have changed. This is particularly perplexing for middle-aged people who haven't dated in years. Take the concept of Independent Arrival, which dictates that on the first date, both parties supply their own transportation to a neutral site. Even if site is picked, the occasion can be tricky. While dinner used to be the standard meal for a date, these days it's not.
Dinner has too many possible expectations attached to it.
Even once middle-aged teenagers are on a date, they're hardly home free. Or if Dutch treat is the way to go. I prefer to treat. So adamant is she that.''I remember once, the check sat there for 35 minutes. Just as they're not sure whether they should take care of the check, older men may not be sure how to take care of a woman.