Eighth Post

Implications about Gender in a Seventeen Magazine article.
In this article, the author discusses the issue of dating and deciding who should pay for the meal. In her eyes, which are extremely traditional, the male figure should always pay for the costs and dinner on a date. If that is not the case, she explains, the female figure should have expressed beforehand that on that particular occasion, she she would pick up the tab. However, it is unacceptable for the male figure to assume his date would be paying automatically. Why is this? I agree that it is a topic to be discussed before the server brings the bill to avoid an awkward moment, argument, or causing a scene. But, the female should always offer to help him out, split the check, or pick it up on her own. This gesture shows a woman's graciousness and personal independence. It should never be up to one individual to pay every single time. Instead, if the male insists on paying for dinner, his date could help out in other ways by providing the vehicle for transportation, pitching in for gas, or other little everyday expenses that can take a toll in today's economy. By evening out the costs associated with dating, the couple will more than likely experience positive effects such as feeling more equal in their relationship. In the case of non-heterosexual couples, it is still unfair for one partner to always spend the money for a date, unless perhaps one individual is on a very high level of financial stability while the other is not. This situation could create problems in the future though, when the feelings of inequality may lead to unequal treatment and emotional rockiness further on in the relationship. In my opinion, balance along with communication is key when trying to date successfully in modern times.