The Invention Of Dating And Why Men Pay More

Very few adults think logically about dating.

This isn’t surprising when you consider that ‘dating’ is made up. There was no such thing as a date until someone somewhere decided to sell something to unassuming single people. In her book, Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating, author Moira Weigel explains, “For the first time in human history, dating made it necessary to buy things in order to get face time with a prospective partner. This remains true today.”

It’s important to distinguish that dating refers to a shared activity between two adults who have not established an exclusive or committed relationship. Dating in marriage, or relationship is much different.

Take for example the Michelin star. The first Michelin Guide was compiled in 1900 by French industrialist Andre Michelin, along with his brother Edouard Michelin. They wanted to create demand for automobiles…and therefore, the tires they manufactured. A genius marketing ploy to encourage patrons to visit restaurants as a way sell tires, not fine cuisine.

And dating is no different. Instead of arguing about who pays for the date, which should always be the man as the way the rules were invented, consider the creation of dating and why you think dates should cost money in the first place.