I am a girl and the girl mindset is something I'm still trying to understand.

A lot of the time, it seems that we always mean the exact opposite of what we say. I am actively viewing many posts on a variety of social media platforms. One thing I have constantly seen throughout the years is a translation of the "girl language." These are usually lists, made by girls, of words they say versus what they actually mean.

Yet we wonder why a lot of guys find us confusing and get offended if they tell us so.

I have also seen the topic of feminism trending throughout the lives of young women in high school. Although I do not define myself as a feminist, I understand why many people believe in equality for whatever gender you define yourself. On the other hand, I don't understand why women are actively advocating for equal pay; yet, they refuse to go on a second date with a guy who prefers to split the check.

Throughout my past three years in high school, I have been on dates. For a lot of the dates, I have paid for my own meal, movie ticket, etc. I have heard many times that a "good guy" will pay for everything, but it has never bothered me to pay for myself.

A guy paying for dates shouldn't be an expectation, but an appreciated gesture.

I realized the pressure that is put on guys through my high school experience. Many high schools throughout the country have dances where girls ask the guy to be their date. When I decided to go, I got the brief experience of putting myself in the position of having the expectation to pay for everything.

During this time I also was not on the best terms with my mom, so I knew that I may have to pay for everything out of my own pocket. Luckily, my mom was understanding and helped me financially for the night, but I realized that the expectation of me paying almost prevented me from experiencing my sophomore year turnabout.

This made me realize that by putting that expectation on men, we are possibly preventing them from dating because it is something they can not financially afford yet. Especially if you're at the age where your peers are not making a stable income, it should not be expected for them to pay.

First dates are about getting to know a person. So the chances you'll know their personal life and financial stability before the check is put on the table is slim to none.

But, I also don't believe you have to pressure your money on a date either. For some guys, being able to take a girl he really likes out and having the ability to pay for them is something they can take great pride in. Having it be an expectation that they pay can take some of their pride away and pressuring your money on the table can make them feel degraded. Showing appreciation will make guys feel better about themselves, and become more attracted to you because of that. In reality, if someone spends their hard-earned money for an experience to learn about you, it should be a flattering moment that results in your gratitude and appreciation. Not just the satisfaction of meeting your expectations.

Be open-minded. If you had a good date and the guy asks to split the check, don't let that be a deal breaker. Go on the second date. If they insist on paying for you and have a great personality, appreciate it, add that to the list of pros, and go on that second date.

In the end, dating is about learning about the person and seeing if you want them to be in your future. Not about gaining a free meal or movie. It shouldn't be assumed that if a guy doesn't pay for the date that he just doesn't want to and is a bad person or cheap.

Finding a guy you truly click with and have an amazing date with is sometimes hard to find. So if you have to pay for your half of the experience, do it.