Dating - Who foots the bill?

Even as Gen Y of 21st century 'with it' India gears up for exciting times ahead, the age-old 'traditions vs modernity' debate still remains unsolved. Each passing day might get 'dating' the unspoken approval from society, yet the rules of the dating game continue to be ambiguous. Men are still confused about who should foot the bill. Some men pay for everything, some think that women should share the bill with them and some don't pay a penny. Definitely a sad ringer for the materialistic society we reside in, but please would men stand up and tell us what is right and what is their right! Mayank Malhotra, a call center executive, relates his 'priceless' dating incident. "Once I went on a date with a girl who invited me out for dinner. I enjoyed the meal and the whole evening until the waiter brought the bill. The waiter placed the bill between the two of us. Since she had invited me, I smoothly slid the bill to her side and said, "Thank you for dinner." Her reaction really surprised me! Although she claimed that she has the money, yet felt insulted that I did not offer to pay. After all, that's basic courtesy from a man." Harshdeep Singh, a Charted Accountant, tries to find logic in the let-me-pay-or-lets-go-Dutch equation, "Owing to society's dictates, it's considered gentlemanly for the man to pay and I don't mind it. The only problem I have is when a man goes out on several dates and the woman doesn't offer to pay even once. Women want equal treatment at work and in the office therefore they should expect equal treatment in dating too." Some guys however admit that footing the bill helps in making a good impression on the girl, "God knows what goes inside a woman's mind but my classmates say that girls like it if a man pays for them since it shows that he values their company" shares Abhimanyu, a Class XI student of a local school. Another view is that it's okay to pay if the bill is reasonable but if the pinch on the wallet is pronounced then it's better to ask the lady to pitch in, "Why pay for something you haven't eaten. If you have a beer and the girl has a cold coffee with ice cream then it's only right that she pays for it," declares Aditya, an engineering student. Take your pick!