This is a topic that has become more and more complicated as time goes and as dating evolves. This topic is intertwined in multiple topics, it's a financial situation, it's also affected by a guys natural want to lead in the relationship and it also affects the relationship as a whole. Who pays for this date and who pays for that date? It is a cycle and also an understanding that can often be messy so I wanted to try and shed some light on it from my experience.

The first big obstacle for any couple is the guy stereotype that says if you can't pay for everything that you're weak. That is a lie and just because you can't pay for every single thing or afford tons of stuff that is okay you are not weak or a terrible boyfriend. When it comes to you girls in this situation you need to be understanding of the guys and that sometimes we won't have the money but the time together matters the money shouldn't be the reason for love. However, if you can pay for things then I believe especially in the beginning of the relationship the guy should be paying for the majority of things. Then later on as you discuss how you will both manage paying things can change but I recommend the guy still pays often.

But I think something we must remember as well is that not every guy is loaded and not everyone can spend the same amounts of money as others. I think often it seems like society says the guy has to be the breadwinner and the one who can always provide and I thin the man is called to lead. But especially in dating both people are still figuring out life and college students know this especially well. Money is tight and paying for dates and gifts sometimes has to fall to the wayside or they must be extremely cheap or free ideas. But that is okay and I want to encourage everyone in that. Money is not the end all, be all of dating.

Dating is about spending time together and getting to know each other better and to see the potential for a future together. Yes, money will always be a part of it but it shouldn't define or destroy everything. Enjoy each other, have fun and try to have fun on a budget built less on money and more on memories.

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