Bree Lippincott’s article, “Going Dutch?,” adds another rule to the institution of dating, an already complex series of formalities. It is bad enough guessing when to call and what to wear. Now we have to guess whether or not to pay. Worse, if we guess wrong, we risk giving the impression of being either cheap or seeking sex.Although Lippincott’s examples support her argument, there are other explanations for why a guy may be inclined to pay. If he asked her out, he may want to eliminate any financial risk she would assume by accepting. He may be afraid of being called cheap. He may be innocently attempting to be sweet or polite.A culture where relationships can be made or broken over the price of a meal is headed for trouble.Eric D. MerbergClass of 2006
