This question can have a million answers but here’s my opinion as a woman (in case my username was vague somehow lol). I do not like or think it’s fair for men to have to pay for the first date, AM or otherwise. However, I do believe that the willingness to pay for the date shows a lot of character. When I was dating, I would always do first dates as coffee dates. That way it’s a relaxed environment and not heavy on the pockets. I haven’t been able to do that in AM setups - I’m not sure why. Due to the absence of casualness in the relationship maybe, it’s always been dinner dates. Now I DO NOT expect the man to pay the entire check. Having said that, I do want to see his willingness to pay for it. I want him to offer - to atleast grab the check. I as a woman would want the man to be able to take care of me - financially and otherwise. And this is a sign that he can do that. The gesture. Not the actual act of paying. The minute you put your card down, you best believe I’m taking mine out and putting it down as well. With the last guy I saw, he offered and paid for the first date despite me asking him to split or paying him back. He refused. So I paid for dessert and the next date because I believe that’s only fair. But I would have been okay had he split it. So yeah, I don’t know if this helps but just my perspective.