Free Drinks: A Moral Quandary

Letting guys pay for your drinks is just one of the perks of being a girl, right? Recently, this has become a subject of heated debate between my girl and guy friends.

By CC Staff

Personally, I never expect a guy to pay for me, whether we are on a first date, in a serious relationship, casually hanging out, or just meeting for the first time. In fact, when he pays for too many things too readily, it makes me uncomfortable. But if I am flirting with someone at a bar and he offers me a drink, am I going to turn it down? No way.

What if you aren’t into the guy, though? Maybe you’re not single, or maybe he’s just totally unappealing. Is it okay to accept the drink? I’d be tempted, since I currently have no job and no money, but if I’m not interested, I have to decline. I feel like accepting will obligate me to chat, at least for the entire time it takes me to finish that drink. And if I don’t like a guy, I’m just trying to escape the conversation. The last thing I want is to encourage him. The only time I’ll say yes is on the rare occasion when he persistently insists, in which case it’s more awkward to repeatedly refuse.

One particular girl I know employs a very different strategy, intentionally milking guys for free drinks and then immediately slipping away into the crowd with her prize. Some (mostly guys) argue that this is unethical, unacceptable, and just plain bitchy. Others (mostly girls) argue that if guys are dumb enough to try to pay for her attention, they deserve what they get and she might as well take advantage. If guys are willing to buy a girl a drink, why shouldn’t she take it?

To be honest, I sort of envy my mercenary friend. While I question the morality of her behavior, I would love to spend a whole night at a bar without spending any money. But for the time being, I just don’t think I have it in me.

What do you think?

Is it okay to accept free drinks from guys you aren’t interested in?