So, should I pay?

Sounds a bit stupid but ask if she doesn't mind you pay for the meal :)

I always pay even if the girl is just a friend. But I understand what you are saying and you really dont want to put yourself in such a situation. I went out with a girlfriend once and she brought along a friend of hers who went on and on because I paid for the dinner. I regretted it a lot because I had to put up with her nagging, it was unreal.

I would really go with what mercer88 suggested. It's a win-win situation. Besides, she'll think you are considerate.

"might feel offended if I tried to impose that patriarcal way of acting on her."

Yes, if you impose it on her she would be offended, but suggesting is a totally different thing, but that is just how I would handle it... I mean, if she wants to pay, she wouldn't be offended and would probably ask to split, if that's the case, but if she's not willing to, everything will be just fine, I guess.

You just met her? Just pay for it and say it's your treat. If she talked about it in the car that you shouldn't done that etc, then tell her that your gonna split the bill next time.

First i would say: "I pay, don't worry" and then if she refused to accept i would say: "Ok, then we split it". Something like that would be ok, i guess.

PAy for the food. That way you won't feel as bad when you race and eat it all before her.

Go ahead and pay. If she objects, tell her she can get the next one. Fair, works with a date or with a friend, and is a nice thing to do.

Also, +1 to those who say it's like a gift. "Buying her" would imply she owes you something in return -- at which point, yes, you're a chauvinistic jackass if that becomes your mentality.

Lannisters always pay their debts.

Dine N Dash?

Relevant

Depends on the girl, hell some girls get mad if you pay, some want to pay for you, really depends, feel out the situation.

First 'date', normally they offer to pay half but I insist and say 'I'll let you pay next time'.
If they remember it next time and pay then that's what they're comfortable with, if it isn't mentioned then they aren't that bothered about paying and were probably being polite and either I pay again or we split it.

You have to pay to eat out? Usually the girl wants you to do it, but if shes charging you tell her to hit the road...

Oh, you mean food....

You should pay. If she refuses, just say something like "You can pay the next one" or "Don't worry about it". If she insists, then just split it.

Id ask if it is ok if I pay. Simple. And than do what is needed. Dont force anything :)

I always offer to pay, especially on a first date. Only if she's adamant that she doesn't want me to pay for her, then I'd be open to splitting the bill. Don't push the topic too much, and she won't take it to mean that you think she's unable to provide for herself. If she really does flip out because you merely offered to pay for her, then that's a pretty clear sign I don't want to be part of that relationship.

I usually paid for it just cause that's what I always felt was right. Plus most of the time it was me asking them to dinner.

Offer to pay, I don't know many people who would be offended for a gesture like that done with good intentions.

Let the hookie win!

The correct choice? There probably isn't one correct choice. Personally I would probably offer to pay; more out of politeness than any dated view that the man has to pay. Also, paying for the meal doesn't make anything a trade. You may or may not get sex but I don't think a woman is going to feel obligated to sleep with you because you bought her dinner.

Should pay

ALWAYS PAY. Even independent women like romance and tradition! And don't listen to these other people telling you to "offer to pay" or saying it depends. NO, FUCKING INSIST ON PAYING.

Just ask her if you may invite her (and try read her reaction/answer correctly).

I'm assuming here, that it is not explicit invitation from either side anyways - if that were the case, then you can kinda expect the inviting party to cover the costs by default.