How close are you to the end?

So you’ve decided to slow your roll, and go through the motions of monogamy for a change.  When you’ve found yourself no longer grabbing at anything that moves, and working on keeping your urges focused to one female, you’ve entered the Relationship Zone.  Stick around in one long enough, and you’ll get to know all about the Relationship Stages and what comes along with them. Please note, the cost of these stages goes up incrementally as you become less and less single.

Stage 1: Casual but Fun

You’ve meet through friends or at the bar or on an online dating site and BINGO, you’ve lucked out and have chemistry.  When you see each other, the thought of engaging in physical acts that are still outlawed in some States is on both of your minds.  The good times keep rolling in, and it’s completely innocent. Almost.

What it means to your wallet: $

• Definitely buy her drinks when you go out.
• The occasional shot (because let’s face it, you’re still not sure if you’ll score)
• Dinner, movies, and other casual entertainment
• Cab ride home (at night or the next morning)

Stage 2: Weekend buddies

Well, well… you’ve started spending a little more time with your new buddy.  No problem – you’re getting used to each other, and still having a great time.  What’s more, no longer is either one of you doing the walk of shame. It’s turned into breakfast and maybe a morning walk with the dog. Still . . . it’s innocent. That’s if you’re not a hardcore practicing Catholic.

What it means to your wallet: $$

• Since she’s now your “date” when you go out, expect to cover the bar tab.
• You’ll going to have an overnight “guest” and that means morning coffee.
• Stock up on food, or you’ll be going out for breakfast.
• If you’re gettin’ some, she won’t be ordering the cheapest thing from the dinner menu.

Stage 3: Meet the Friends and Hang

Yep, it’s now pretty much official. You’re dating. And part of that title encompasses the test of meeting friends. You want to keep this girl around for a while, and she is definitely sizing you up as a long-term prospect by this point.  Your friends will likely approve of anyone with a pulse as long as you’ve got a grin on your face.  Her friends are a little more selective, though.  Got a job? Check.  Got your own place? Check.  Decent hygiene? (this one is crucial!) Check.  If you’re making her happy, her friends will know – and you can expect to be kept around for awhile.

What it means to your wallet: $$$

• Drinks – Now that she’s got you, you’ll notice that those pints of Miller and shots of Jaeger she was content drinking are now being phased out for fancier wines and top-shelf mixed drinks.
• Still paying for Dinner?  You betcha – but now it includes breakfast and lunch, because you’ll be spending entire days together.
• Ever been to a Broadway Musical? (suck it up buddy, you’re in for it now!)

Stage 4: The next step - GAS

The expectation of the weekends are pre-planned with each other. Comfort levels are now at an all time high and . . . wind has been broken around her.

What it means to your wallet: $$$$

• See above, plus:
• Flowers (for breaking wind)
• Weekend getaways 

NOTE:  It should be noted that the Gas Stage is really the point of no return.  Once you’ve passed gas in each other’s presence, you’ve reached a comfort level that will be difficult to undo. 

Stage 6: Meet the folks/Moving in

This is it, the last step before the knot is tied . . . or the chain is secured to your ankle.  From here on out, you’ve lost the “I” and it’s now “we”.

What it means to your wallet: $$$$$

• See above, plus:
• Surprise romantic get-aways
• Puppy or kitten (for the pet lover)

Phase 6: … The end (Marriage)

Saturdays at Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond or Costco.  Stick a fork it it, you’re done, pal.

What it means to your wallet: $$$$$$

• See above, plus:
• Mortgage payments
• Kids

Have traditional gender roles really changed?

Most folks would agree that changing gender roles have dramatically altered their lives at work and at home. Few people would argue that gender equality, especially in the workplace, has enriched the lives of men and women alike.

Men and women have been striving for equality during the past few decades, and it is evident that political, professional, economic, and social advances have been made.

But when it comes to "Romantic Equality," how much has really changed?  Do men and women naturally gravitate toward more traditional romantic roles?   Women want to be treated as equals in all areas of life, but  do they prefer being treated as a traditional lady when it comes to dating?

 
When is it OK for a man to hang up his super-hero cape, and let the woman save the day… or at least pay for the date?

Share your thoughts.  Should a man always pay for his date?  Many women may offer to pay, but do they really want to, or is it simply going through the motions of what may seem like the right/fair thing to do?

Please post your thoughts and comments below – and be sure to include if you are male or female, your age, and where you’re from… thanks!