What drives a man to splash loads of money on a woman?

[Remotew]

Been pondering this recently. A couple of male friends of mine are in newish relationships after divorce. Both are very generous with their money. One buying his gf a car, semi supporting her, lots of lovely holidays etc. He's not wealthy and the money is running out. The other fully supporting his new love and splashing out on holidays, clothes everything. Fairly wealthy but cannot carry on like there is no tomorrow.

I'm very independent and cannot work out how the dynamics of these relationships work. Can anyone enlighten me?

I've had my nose rubbed in it recently and it's got me thinking that I've missed something.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm off to bed now. Work tomorrow!!! Or we don't eat this week.

Frankly, it doesn't sound as if those girls are any better than prostitutes. Taking money or expensive gifts in exchange for sex ("a ring for a ring"!?!)- what else is it? I would always rather pay my own way and know that I can say "no" if I want. Aren't women supposed to have moved on a bit from all that sort of thing??

must say (apart from the computer and the BBQ) the best present was a cigarette roller and tin to keep my rollies in when I go out - the tin has a picture of a cartoon blonde woman on the front and says

"Caution: Blonde Thinking" - sums me up perfectly LOL

Oh, shucks, Unquietdad. I did your whole list for free

god I'd love to find soemone who'd treat me! and no not for sex just because its nice to be treated sometimes. But I enjoy it the other way round too - I treat them.

I love buying presents and treats for people and suprising them with something nice, so any partner who suprised me with a weekend away could be sure of getting flowers sent to his office, box of fav chocolates, special dinner out booked etc etc.

But buying things you can't afford is just silly, if I was dating someone on a low to middlign wage I wouldn't expect expensive presents even on my birthday. Likewise I would expect them to value the dinner I'd cooked and set up with candles etc and not complain about it not being a posh resturant cos I only earn £7k a year!

My brother seems to do this a bit, he's nto on a great salary but has over the past few years consistantly treated his GF (now fiancee) to: weekend in paris, diamond ring for engagement worth 2 months salary, etc. I dont' think she's bought him anything!