The college age dating scene is nothing short of a million blurred lines. We are all fully knowledgeable on so-called "normal" dating standards, but everyone is just about equally broke. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a nice cup of coffee, but paying for a full meal for you and a date is not always in the books.

I don't have a full time job and chances are, neither does your date. Going on a date should never feel like a financial obligation, it's all about getting to know someone. If you don't like that your date didn't pay for you, that's fine! Now you know what you want in the future. Dating is all about learning what you do and don't like.

With that being said, there is absolutely no reason for an outing to be described as a "bad first date" just because they didn't automatically reach for their wallet. We're all struggling out here. If a guy wants to buy my coffee that's great, but I will always offer. No one should be put ahead of the curve for paying for a first date.

First dates are always especially awkward because you don't really know who is paying unless you discussed it beforehand. Chances are, it's your one of your first time's meeting or at least your first time viewing this person romantically. Sometimes it's not even clear if you are spending time together as friends or on a date.

There is a huge societal standard placed on guys to pay, but in reality, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because there is truly no reason for one person to pay for the other on the first date, besides being polite. And just because you pay does not mean that the other person owes you something.

After the first date, things may start to vary a little more. Maybe you want to alternate who pays every time, or maybe you always want to pay for yourselves. Get to know someone first before automatically expecting them to buy your coffee and your food and your movie ticket and your ice cream.

The bottom line is this. It doesn't matter in the slightest who pays on the first date. You are there to get to know the other person, not their wallet. So walk up to the counter and just order, if he wants to pay he will. If he doesn't, that's okay too. Just enjoy your company and enjoy being young and single.