How to convince my girlfriend she does not need to go on pricey dates?

[Ultralight]

I've been paying my own way since I started earning money. Sometimes we split the check, sometimes we take turns. I never liked feeling "less than" or like a gold digger, or like I owed somebody something, so it works out. I don't know why everyone doesn't do it in this modern age, unless there's a huge discrepancy in earnings.

She makes about 50% more than I do.