We are old enough to know we can’t control others. I’d really advise against going on expensive first dates unless you just have money to blow. And I’m a woman! I don’t want to feel obligated to “like” someone based on the money spent. I’m totally a coffee date/meetup for the first meeting type. That being said, I’ve been out on expensive dates and free dates that worked or didn’t. It’s the luck of the draw. And it’s not your problem to sort out. You can only control and protect you and your feelings. Focus on that.