What do guys really think about paying on the first date?

Just curious because as a girl I have such a strong opinion about this as I do with everything lol. I know some men/boys feel emasculated if the girl was to pay.

I don't really think the man should have to pay. In Western society, women are considered equal to men, so I don't think it's necessary for men to pay.

People can't have it both ways. Can't want equality, but then also expect the boy to pay.

That's easy, pay for the stuff that you had at the date, be it tickets, food or drinks. And they pay for the stuff they had. I like it this way.

I don't like the idea of splitting it equally since someone may get way more than the other and then whoever is not is paying way more than they have had too.

See this is exactly the way I think aswell. I know there are some women who always want the man to pay but I don’t understand because if he always treats you then who treats him.

Here's how it should work IMO
If you've asked them out/ chose the place, you definitely offer as there could be confusion that you were offering to treat them from the offset and they may not be able to afford a place you've chose.
In general, for a perfect first date, the guy offers to pay when the bill comes, it shows an element of romantic attraction still and not wanting to end the date as" just friends"
However, the woman should then say "no, I'll pay for myself" or "Ok, I'll get it next time"
This shows that the woman was genuinely interested in your company and that you were worth paying for as a mutual enjoyment and she's not some "thot" who swiped for a free meal or has some entitlement that her company should be paid for.
There are exceptions to this, such as a big, big financial disparity or if the man chooses a ridiculously expensive restaurant.
This way the man goes home knowing that the woman actively wanted to go on the date and the woman goes home knowing the man was romantic/ nice enough to offer to pay.

Thats the sad reality sometimes, however i'm sure guys don't mind paying it shows that they are a generous person and don't expect things in return which women find an attractive quality most times.

I don't really think the man should have to pay. In Western society, women are considered equal to men, so I don't think it's necessary for men to pay.

People can't have it both ways. Can't want equality, but then also expect the boy to pay.

Yeah I guess so, but it’s the same women who want the men to pay who’ll pull the ‘men and women are equal’ card.

Here's how it should work IMO
If you've asked them out/ chose the place, you definitely offer as there could be confusion that you were offering to treat them from the offset and they may not be able to afford a place you've chose.
In general, for a perfect first date, the guy offers to pay when the bill comes, it shows an element of romantic attraction still and not wanting to end the date as" just friends"
However, the woman should then say "no, I'll pay for myself" or "Ok, I'll get it next time"
This shows that the woman was genuinely interested in your company and that you were worth paying for as a mutual enjoyment and she's not some "thot" who swiped for a free meal or has some entitlement that her company should be paid for.
There are exceptions to this, such as a big, big financial disparity or if the man chooses a ridiculously expensive restaurant.
This way the man goes home knowing that the woman actively wanted to go on the date and the woman goes home knowing the man was romantic/ nice enough to offer to pay.

why not? if a man wants to make a good impression he should try to pay just for the first time. he shouldn't push it, if she wants to go halves, but it's a gentlemanly gesture just for the first time.

And, if a woman offers to pay, it should be a genuine request and not fake courtesy. The only way to know for sure is to let her pay without fuss. If she shows clear discomfort or decides to not go on a second date with you because of this , then you've dodged a bullet unless that's the kind of woman you desire.