History has established that men pay for dates. After all, it wasn't until the latter half of the 20th century when women actually entered the work force in significant numbers. So logically, it was the man who paid since the female was usually unemployed or at least made significantly less money. This necessity was well established throughout time and helped to prove to the female and her family that he was able to take care of her well beyond courtship. Even when a woman comes into a marriage with a dowry, it is still expected for the man to provide for her as Wikipedia states a dowry is meant as protection from ill treatment from a husband and his family. The dowry "provides an incentive to the husband not to harm the wife." It is not meant as a means for the wife to pay her own way.
Today women in the workplace are a force to be reckoned with. They are shattering glass ceilings and according to the Minneapolis StarTribune are less affected by the current recession. Men are losing more jobs than women; however men earn more than women in the same jobs and more high paying jobs go to men. Women are breaking new ground and blowing away stereotypes but are still comparatively underpaid.
There isn't a clear cut answer. There are so many variables: is it a first date or the 10th date? Are you casually dating or in a relationship? Is either person unemployed? Does one person feel it's important to their pride to pay? Is one person excessively cheap? Does your culture dictate who pays? Many variables exist.
In my opinion, the FIRST date should be paid for by the person who asks the other out. That should be simple. However, I know many men who would insist upon paying even if a woman asked him out. But if a woman is doing the asking, she better be prepared to ante up. Beyond this... it's up to the couple to decide.
After the first few dates, the couple needs to discuss this and decide together who pays. Money issues are a top cause of divorce, so this topic is best dealt with openly and early on. Open, honest discussions lead to stronger relationships whether marriage is your goal or not. Understanding and accepting the other person's attitudes and opinions is a good thing, and it does not mean you have to agree. If you are uncomfortable discussing something as important as this with your significant other, this could be a red flag... use it as a filter. Not every pair is a perfect match. Discovering if your monetary attitudes are compatible will benefit you in the long run.
The reason most people date is to get to know each other and to find their best match, not to settle for just anyone. Who pays on a date is a step in the process of discovery. Dating not only helps you find the best person to spend your time with, it also helps you filter out those you'd be miserable with. Take your time, be honest with yourself and don't forget to have fun.
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Comments (15)
but honestly with gentleman above who is so concerned about equality be honored.....I have also said many times OK, equality it is - then I will pay for 50% of the dates when HE does 50% of the housework
id insist on paying my way or more, and if he refused, id find something else to pay for, so he knows im not looking for a meal ticket type of guy,x
At least if the man insists on paying everything...I still think it's polite and nice if you at least offer..I'm sure it will be appreciated..
Afterall we ladies harp on about Equality so...lets share equal...
PAY 1st time - Gentleman
PAY 2nd time - Double gentleman
PAY 3rd time - Stupid and abused, Oh my god !
WOMAN:
PAY 1st time - Open minded
PAY 2nd time - A truly beleiver
PAY 3rd time - Stupid and abused, big LOL
BOTH:
Man should pay the first and then she pays the next, and so on
Did someone say "Cheap a**"?........
Think for a moment how you would feel if us men also held you ladies to certain old fashioned expectations and demands, like maybe acting like a lady in public or being feminine or in minding your tongue (or whatever other goofy item).... would y'all "really" like that too????? Double standards really suck don't they????
Yes, I may prefer to pay on a date but if a woman expects it or demands it there won't be a second date because she will have told me right there and then that she believes that double standards are ok and the future of a relationship with a woman like that is a sure fire indicator of abuses coming up. (btw, that's experience and observation talking)
However, everyone must take their precautions so that no one abused the other.
IF HE DON'T HE IS A CHEAP a**!!!!