A screenshot of the SMS exchange (inset) that was sent to TCU Secret Files.

When a ₱7,000 steak dinner for two became the center of a Facebook debate, netizens found themselves split on the unwritten rules of date etiquette and who should foot the bill. The anonymous post, shared recently on the "TCU Secret Files" Facebook page, asked if it was normal to expect the other person to pay, sparking thousands of reactions and comments. The anonymous poster "Kesha", who was on a date with her suitor, recounted how the man insisted it was "his treat" and decided on the restaurant—a high-end spot offering the novelty of medium-rare steaks. She admitted that, as a first-time steak diner, she may have overindulged in the experience, inadvertently racking up the bill. The total, ₱7,000, left her wondering if she should split the cost or let her date cover it as promised. Posts on TCU Secret Files are typically anonymous, often shared for entertainment, but this one quickly hit a nerve. Many netizens empathized, sharing their views on dating etiquette and how to handle pricey meals on a date. While some felt the man should cover the bill since he invited her, others suggested that guests should practice restraint and avoid ordering the most expensive items on the menu. One user wrote, “It doesn’t matter if he’s a suitor or friend—always practice order etiquette and go for the cheaper options. It’s considerate to return the favor, even if it’s just a coffee or dessert afterward.” Another suggested the lack of communication as the primary issue, noting, “They should’ve agreed on an expense split or decided on a more affordable place.” To add to the drama, the suitor later responded, sending the page a photo  of the receipt and confirming that he had indeed paid for the meal. He also mentioned that they had since stopped dating—a detail that deepened the online discussion and led many to ponder the intricacies of modern dating etiquette. ICA/Expat Media
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