Men Bet on Dinner Dates to Find Love

The practice of men paying for dinner on the first date has become normalized, despite doubts about its effectiveness and associated costs.

## The Cost of a First Date
A decade ago, the main headache in online dating was the discrepancy between photos and reality. Today, the expectation that the man pays the bill for the first dinner has solidified. This implies an investment that can be around **€50** for a dinner, to which **€20** for a pre-dinner drink and the cost of transportation, often to take the other person home, are added. It is a considerable outlay, especially if one considers that the other person might have modest income and a demanding work life.

## A Profitable Investment?
The logic behind this custom seems to be the belief that, otherwise, one would not get dates or, ultimately, would not reach an intimate relationship. However, the question is whether this initial spending model actually leads to success in the search for a partner. The economic investment adds to the uncertainty about real connection and compatibility, leaving it up in the air whether paying for a dinner is a true catalyst for love or simply another expense in the complex equation of modern relationships.

## Social Expectation
Social pressure seems to play an important role in this dynamic. Despite doubts about the effectiveness of this method, the usual response to the objection of paying is that "otherwise they won't go out" or "otherwise you won't have sens." This resignation to the economic cost, which can be significant for many men, suggests a deep internalization of the norm, even when its practical value is questionable.