The majority of men have heard this phrase, or a variation of it, before. It's probably the oldest shaming tactic in someone's arsenal.

Countless guys have buckled under pressure and spent their money (even $2 as a child growing up to buy ice cream for someone he liked), only to feel like they've been used, and stripped of 10 dignity tokens.

Do not let this be you. If someone ever tries this line on you, look at them square in their eyes and tell them, "stop being poor." Being "cheap" is actually a level above being "poor." It paralyzes them because it makes too much sense. You cannot be ridiculed by someone who is paying $0.

I've actually told someone, "if I'm cheap, then you're poor, because you don't even have any money." They were quick to rescind their comment, said they didn't mean to offend me, and told me that it was just out of habit they said it. Don't give in to society's demands when your gut instinct says you're paying with your dignity.

My message: stand your ground.