Dear Tamara:
In this day of equality and equal rights, should men pay for dates? Why is it that women still expect men to automatically pay for every date? I have been dating the same woman for about four months now and every time we go out, she expects me to pay for everything. On one hand she comes off as this strong, confident woman who can handle anything and take care of herself. She orders whatever she wants and expects nothing but the best. But as soon as the bill comes or its time to pay, she looks the other way and waits patiently for me to pull out my wallet. Not once has she offered to help with the bill or to take care of the check. Of course at first I didn’t mind, it was just a casual situation and neither of us could be sure where it was going. But now things are getting more serious. I want to know that I am with a woman who cares about and not just whether I can cover the check. We are both working professionals and I think she should offer to chip in or treat me from time to time. Maybe we should even start going “Dutch.”
Tired of Paying
Dear Tired of Paying:
First let me say that I feel you and your wallet’s pain. Dating, eating out, and entertainment in general, can become quite expensive depending on your taste and frequency. Dinner and a movie can easily run you $100 a pop. I think there are definitely parameters around dating and who should pay for what. Those parameters, though, are unique to every relationship and situation. I think there are a few things for couple’s to consider. One, is it a first date or special occasion and how long they have been dating. Two, I think they have to consider who is extending the date invitation, the man or the woman. Three, each person’s economic situation should be taken into consideration. Not everyone may be in a position to pay for everything every single time. And four, the expectations of both parties must be clear so that no one feels taken advantage of and/or disappointed. This can ruin the mood, the date, and the relationship.
I admit that I like to be treated and made to feel special. Going out on a date and having someone wine and dine you can feel pretty special, even for a confident, strong woman. On the other hand, I do not mind treating my date from time to time and making him feel special as well, especially if the outing was my idea. I personally do not think going “Dutch” sends the same message. If we both just pay for ourselves, no one really feels special or treated.
There are many things in our society that have changed when it comes to gender roles, expectations and responsibilities and so many other things that remain the same. I don’t think that men should have to pay for every date just because they are men, but traditional views and many people in society still see men as the traditional providers, which mean the check still falls into their laps, or should I say wallets.
