The expectation of who pays at a restaurant should not be based on gender. In modern and egalitarian societies, the traditional norms around gender roles have evolved, and it is no longer appropriate to assume that one person should always pay based on their gender.
When going to a restaurant with a friend, regardless of their gender, there are several ways the bill can be handled:
Splitting the bill equally: The most common and fair approach is to split the bill equally among all diners. This way, everyone contributes their share, regardless of what they ordered.
Taking turns: If you dine out regularly with the same friend or group, you can take turns paying for the bill. One person pays this time, and someone else covers the bill on the next occasion.
Treat each other: Sometimes, friends may want to treat each other and take turns paying for each other's meals as a gesture of friendship and appreciation.
Discuss beforehand: If you're unsure about how to handle the bill, you can discuss it before going to the restaurant. You can decide together how you'd like to split or share the expenses.
The key is to communicate openly and honestly with your friend about the bill-paying arrangement. Avoid making assumptions about who should pay based on gender, as it perpetuates outdated stereotypes and may cause discomfort in the relationship. Treat each other as equals and consider what feels fair and respectful to both parties involved.