Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it weird to say you are taking your spouse out to dinner?

44 replies

FeelinLost · 26/03/2026 16:01

Weird one but my male friend said the other day that he is taking his wife out for dinner. I know households can be different but when you're a shared household, joint bank account etc, are you really taking the other one out? Or are you taking them out because you have booked it/organised it rather than paying?

Am I being unreasonable to ask if its weird he said he is taking his wife out? 😂

OP posts:
TwistedWonder · 26/03/2026 16:49

hahabahbag · 26/03/2026 16:11

It’s just a way of speaking, can’t get worked up either way

Agree. It’s a very normal thing to say imo. Definitely not starting a thread worthy

BauhausOfEliott · 26/03/2026 16:48

You're overthinking this.

It's not a remotely weird thing to say; it's just a common figure of speech. If he was the one that planned the evening and booked the restaurant, he's taking her out. It's fine.

Also, plenty of people don't have entirely shared finances. DP and I don't have any joint bank accounts.

Whoops75 · 26/03/2026 16:38

Just a phrase imo no hidden meaning but the sentiment is nice.

WhatNoRaisins · 26/03/2026 16:37

I think that some people need persuading to treat themselves and it's a sweet thing to do.

Hatty65 · 26/03/2026 16:35

It's a very common saying, have you not heard it before?

It doesn't necessarily mean they have separate finances and he's paying. He simply means he's suggested or arranged to go out for a meal, rather than staying home.

Starlight1979 · 26/03/2026 16:30

I don't think it's weird but yeah, me and DH just say "shall we go out to dinner for your birthday" or "shall we go for lunch on Saturday".

afaloren · 26/03/2026 16:25

Not weird. We share money but if one of us books and organises it we’ll say we’re taking the other out and will drive so they can have a few drinks.

Amira83 · 26/03/2026 16:14

He is taking her out' becos hes the one thought about it, organised it / booked it. Its just a term of speech.. my son says hes taking his friend out' to eat somewhere as hes the one who's idea it was and hes driving them.

hahabahbag · 26/03/2026 16:11

It’s just a way of speaking, can’t get worked up either way

oviraptor21 · 26/03/2026 16:11

When we shared finances we'd still take each other out depending on who organised.

Guillemets · 26/03/2026 16:11

I would assume “taking her out” implies it is for for a special occasion for her, such as to celebrate her birthday or a promotion. Otherwise he is “taking her out” to her preferred restaurant, rather than to his. In short, the “taking her out” implies that is an event for her, rather than related to who is paying or who has organised it.

ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad · 26/03/2026 16:10

I think if you share finances you are 'going out to dinner with wife'. & if not shared finances you can 'take wife out for dinner'

**

GeniusofShakespeare · 26/03/2026 16:10

We have joint finances but I consider myself to have been taken out when DH organises it all.

RoyalPenguin · 26/03/2026 16:08

Maybe they have separate finances?

Original poster
FeelinLost · 26/03/2026 16:08

It could be that deep down I am jealous my husband doesn't "take me out" 😂 we do go out for dinner though.

OP posts:
Coconutter24 · 26/03/2026 16:07

If you don’t have shared finances and you’re paying, then yes you’re taking them out

MimiSunshine · 26/03/2026 16:07

Maybe they have separate accounts?
maybe they have a joint bills account and individual personal spends accounts.

Dermatologically · 26/03/2026 16:07

Nope, not weird. Not to me anyway. I'd assume it means he's organised it all

MidnightPatrol · 26/03/2026 16:04

I think it’s quite sweet, like they’ve organised a date!

Not every married couple shares all their money!

Swipe left for the next trending thread