[steven]

MMM, just out of curiosity, what do you consider serious dating?

I guess no matter how I look at it, splitting seems like the best policy. If the date went bad, you don't wanna pay the bill, because even if it's there on the table, you don't want any. If the date went good, and you're looking for your soul mate, then don't get her accustomed to you paying the bill every time because you're gonna get screwed over when she dumps you later on down the road. If you've been going out for a while or you're married, then why not foot the bill-- knowing your partner will do the same for you somewhere along the way. But as SSJup81 pointed out, some people don't like dropping a wad of cash all at once, so that makes splitting the bill a common policy for them.

If you're talking about casual dating-- paying for a whole meal/night out is paying for sex. I don't mean to be offensive, but I see it quite clearly as such. If that's what you want and that's your approach, then more power to you. However, I could almost see it as degrading to pay for too much for your partner. Either your partner is using you and you're a wimp, or you don't see your partner as anywhere near equal to you, so you always pay for them-- the same way a boss pays for his workers on a night out. If you've gota house wife/husband or your salaries are SUPER different, then that is another story, however. If you're just dating, though, then why is this woman or man going out with no money? I may have a harsh outlook, but that woman or man would be selling themself.

Admitedly, I'm not very consistant as I'll still offer to carry heavy things for women or open doors for them. That may be insulting in a sense, too-- but that's not the way I mean it. I guess that's how this situation can be looked at. There's more sentiment to all this. You have to admit though, there are certain people out there without gratidude who expect the world at all costs from everyone else. Or at least a free meal.