I’m sure you’ll admit that it’s nice when a guy treats you like you’re special and pays for everything when you go out.
So, if a guy pays for everything does he like you, and does it mean he wants to take things further?
It’s an interesting question, for most guys it means that they like you and are trying to impress you, yes.
But how much they like you and exactly what they want from you might not be so clear!
If a Guy Pays for Everything Does He Like You?
It’s hard to speak on behalf of the guy who’s paying for everything for you, but I think it’s fair to say he likes you, yes!
Basically, when a guy is quick to pay for everything it could really mean one or more of three key things:
- He likes you and wants to treat you and make you feel special
- He’s trying to show off and impress you and is more concerned with that than how you feel
- He thinks that he has to pay because he thinks you cannot afford to
If you’re unsure why a guy is treating you so well financially, take a deeper dive into those possibilities.
It’s most likely to be the first reason, that he likes you and wants to make you feel special.
I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s sweet, a great sign that he really likes you, and also that he’s generous.
If he’s trying to show off, this is a sign that he has an ego and probably some insecurities himself and likes to try and impress people and make them like him through his wealth.
This is not a good foundation for a relationship, at least not a fulfilling, long-lasting one.
And finally, if a guy is paying because he thinks – or knows – you can’t afford to, this is also sweet and shows that he’s generous and thoughtful.
This can cause issues down the road however if he expects you to start paying your way or hits a point where he can’t – or doesn’t want to – spend more.
Related – Why some guys don’t pay on the first date and how to deal with paying for everything yourself.
How You Can Tell if A Guy Is Just Trying to Show Off
There are some key things to look out for that will help you ascertain if a guy is just trying to show off or if he really likes you.
The main clues are in where and how he spends his money, and how much of a big deal he makes of it.
If he insists on taking you to the most expensive places, ordering the most expensive dishes, and drinking the most expensive drinks, even though you said it’s not your scene, he’s showing off.
Another red flag is if the guy is always pointing out how much he’s spent, how much money he has, and generally makes a big deal over how much he’s spending.
When a guy is paying for things because he likes you and wants to treat you well, he will not mention how much things are costing.
It will be the last thing on his mind when he’s out on a date with you!
Should You Let a Guy Always Pay When You Go Out?
There is often a good deal of debate over whether a not a guy should be paying when out on a date, both traditionally and what is socially acceptable.
I don’t think the tradition of a guy paying holds as much weight as it used to as gender roles just aren’t what they used to be.
So you can throw that notion away in my opinion.
It’s really up to you what you want to do and it’s about going with what feels right for you.
If a guy is offering to always pay when you go out and you’re happy with that, why not let him?
You can always return the favor another time.
Just be aware of the possible motivations behind why he’s doing it, as mentioned earlier in this article.
And make sure you don’t let him take advantage of you in other ways because he’s holding the fact that he’s been paying for everything over you!
You need to look at his intentions and how sincere he is. If he’s a charming, generous man, then it’s fine.
But if that’s the case and you like him too, I’m sure you won’t mind picking up the tab sometimes and returning the favor.
That’s how these things go, you end up wanting to reciprocate his generosity and kindness!
What Does It Mean if Your Boyfriend Insists on Paying for Everything?
If you’re in a relationship and your boyfriend still insists on paying for everything, it could mean one of two main things:
- He feels like it’s his role as the man to be the provider
- He’s still in the loved-up phase and wants to keep on taking the best care of you
Both of these reasons are totally understandable, and if you’re happy with the arrangement and don’t feel like you’re taking advantage, then there’s no need to change things.
However, if you feel like he’s doing it out of a sense of obligation or because he’s trying to buy your affection, then that’s not such a healthy dynamic.
You should be able to have a conversation about it and come to an arrangement that works better for both of you.
If you’re earning as well, you should want to pay your way so he’s not being financially burdened.
And if he’s doing it because he thinks it will make you love him more, then you need to have a conversation about what real love looks like!
Paying for everything all the time is not always sustainable, so it’s important to have a discussion about it early on.
Other Signs to Look for That a Guy Likes You
If you still want some reassurance that a guy is paying for everything because he really likes you, just look out for some of the other signs that he likes you:
- He’s always happy to see you and you brighten up his days
- He goes out of his way to do other things for you (not just paying for stuff)
- He talks about you a lot to his friends and family and has introduced you to people who are important to him
- He wants to know everything about you and loves getting into deep conversations about what makes you who you are
- He’s always touching you in playful and respectful ways and trying to be close to you
- He’s always trying to make you laugh and will go to great lengths to cheer you up when you’re down
If a guy is exhibiting all or any of these signs, then he definitely likes you!
Signs are one thing, at the end of the day if you pay attention you’re just going to know when a guy likes you, you’ll feel it!
And if you have any doubts, just put him on the spot and ask him!
Image credits – Photo by Emil Kalibradov on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.