I feel like I already know what a lot of you are going to say ("Don't take a girl out to dinner/drinks"), but here we go.

How can I go about not making it awkward when the check comes? I'm fine with paying the whole thing every once in a while, but I've found that if I cover the entire bill the first time it creates some awkwardness on future dates (Am I expected to pay the bill again?).

Most girls I've gone out with have offered to pitch in some money but I usually just shrug them off and tell them I'll cover it. How can I go about splitting/accepting their money without seeming awkward/like a cheap bastard?