It's really pretty grotesque how some people talk to women and then in the same sentence claim that oh they are great feminists because they always pay their way :/ Paying your way does not make you a feminist. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with doing so but please don't think it helps women achieve equality.
Women are more likely to be the default primary care givers, to do more house work, to have to leave employment to care for relatives, the list goes on...But oh diddums, theres a societal expectation for George from accounting to buy coffee for Sandra on the first date. Oh, the poor man.
Do you see men on boards debating how to help promote equality between men and women? Berating eachother for not doing enough for their wives at home. Do you buggery. Unless, (and ive seen a fair few on mumsnet) their wife has finally had a mental breakdown and so they aren't getting sex anymore and are scratching their head as to why.
And here we are, arguing over how gold diggerish we are to like a man to pay on a first date! Which, newsflash, he doesn't have to! The children won't starve and the house won't full up with trash if he doesn't. He can just say no, go home, and choose to never see her again.
When the bill comes, many of us are still conflicted about how to act and how men might view us as a result of it. About men's feelings and protecting men.
How much better the world would be in men and women put half us much time and consideration into how to protect women from real exploitation. Instead of George from accounts and his £2 coffee dialema.