Since the start of “dating,” it has been expected that men pay for almost everything, such as dinner and movies; you know, the old-fashioned way. Even now in the 21st-century, most women still expect men to pay. Since some men are fed up, should we throw the old rules out the window or continue to take advantage of being pampered?

When the “rule” of men paying came about, it was for the almighty man to be able to prove his manhood. He could provide for the woman and in return, if marriage came into play, the woman would stay home to cook and clean.

Back to reality-women are now aiming for the sky, throwing double standards in the dust, thriving for equality, and some are forgetting about men all together, finding true love within a lesbian relationship.

So I think to myself, if we women want fairness and equal opportunities just as men, then we can’t expect men to pay for everything, we should be splitting the bill, right?

I agree that there should be equality between the sexes, but when it comes to dating, I still feel that men should pay.

Almost every relationship I have been in the man paid for almost everything. I have offered numerous times to take the bill or even spilt it out of courtesy, but I always knew that in the back of my mind if they agreed and let me pay, I’d move on to the next guy.

I don’t want to sound like I only care about money, but I have be honest. My judgment of a man who will not let a woman pay, will hold the door open, and speak to a woman with respect is a prince charming.

Even if the woman initiated the date, I think the man should still nab the tab. I don’t want men to feel as if they’re going broke on taking women out, but if you want to get in good with your date, you’ve got to make her feel good.

Here are a couple of my tips for men who are low on cash but still would like to be the gentleman that pays.

One hour before your date, pick a couple flowers, drive along the river and pick a scenic spot. Lay out an old blanket with the flowers you picked and spread them on top.

Leave to pick up your date, you wont have to worry about your spot because it isn’t likely that you’ll be gone long. Bring her to the spot with a picnic basket in hand, filled with crackers, cheese, and fruit; it can cost you under $15 dollars.

As she walks to the blanket, sits down next flowers hand picked by you, and with the sun setting off the water, you are definitely in.

If you want to keep that old-fashion way, just remember, just because you want to pay for everything doesn’t mean you have to go broke. Most women aren’t about money and material things, because it truly is the thought and time you put into your date that counts.

Shauvon Torres can be reached at [email protected]