First dates can tell a lot about people's approach to money, which will be important in any lasting relationship. A household can’t run on chemistry alone, and you won’t buy a house together with vibes. The tack you take, and your date’s reaction to it, can indicate a lot about your attitudes to money. One of the simplest ways to sense-check your spending is to think in percentages rather than prices, he says. And if you think you can change a partner’s approach to money, think again.

Source: The Irish Times February 11, 2026 12:31 UTC