Dear Advice Diva:

Every time I go out with my friend, it seems like he never has any money on him. When the check arrives, he either has to go to the ATM or has forgotten his wallet. Sometimes he even times it so he's in the restroom when the bill comes.

I usually end up treating and he says, "I'll catch you next time." But next time rarely comes. I feel uncomfortable bringing it up afterwards for fear of looking cheap. But he's really the cheap one. He may assume that I have more money than him (and I do), but we're not doing anything extravagant like going to the Bahamas for the weekend. It's more like grabbing drinks, dinner or a movie.

Any suggestions? I don't like being put in an uncomfortable situation, on top of having to pay every time.

—Deep Pockets

Dear Deep Pockets:

The Advice Diva has known some perfectly charming cheapskates — ranging from former trophy wives who still expected the men in the crowd to treat, to a bewitching blueblood who loved his champagne cocktails but loathed paying for them.

Your friend may well be rationalizing that since you can afford to pay, you should, but that's not fair. You can easily outsmart your penny-pinching pal. The next time the two of you make plans, call him to confirm the day of; after he confirms, tell him that you're light on funds and need to call in one of his rain checks. He'll get the hint and you have a method of even-ing the score.

FIRST DATE

TURN-ONS

1. She reaches over to unlock the door after I let her in the car.

2. She tells me that I look handsome.

3. She laughs at my jokes.

TURN-OFFS

1. She talks about her last boyfriend and the great sex they had.

2. She orders enough food to last her for a week.

3. She has dragon breath.

— Brian, Miami Beach, Fla.

The Advice Diva welcomes your questions — particularly the more amusing ones. Write her at advicediva@herald.com.