New here? Register in under one minute   Already a member? Login244961 questions, 1084297 answers  

  DearCupid.ORG relationship advice
  Got a relationship, dating, love or sex question? Ask for help!Search
 New Questions Answers . Most Discussed Viewed . Unanswered . Followups . Forums . Top agony aunts . About Us .  Articles  . Sitemap

How much does dating actually cost?

Tagged as: Big Questions, Dating<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (26 March 2016) 9 Answers - (Newest, 29 March 2016)
A male United States age 36-40, anonymous writes:

So, I was telling my roommate about my plans to build a new computer and media center for the living room, and he told me I should get a girlfriend (instead of appreciating my contributions to the house). While he might or might not be right, I realized that if I did have a girlfriend, I probably wouldn't have the time or money to tackle these important projects.

Then I started wondering, how much does having a girlfriend actually cost? Obviously, this depends on the girl, and part of the relationship you happen to be in, i.e. early in the relationship, you go out on dates more, later in the relationship you stay in.

So, in this particular case, I'm wondering how much money and time it would cost, on a monthly basis, for a guy in his late-20's with a full-time job, to start dating a late-20's aged woman who is the type of woman that would turn into a longer-term relationship.

Personally I do not know because the last time I dated a girl was in college, and I certainly didn't have any money to do anything other than coffee, and she didn't mind. So, that was nice. But since then, I have not had an actual adult relationship. There I admitted it...

Maybe those of you with long-term girlfriends could elaborate how, over time, these costs change as the relationship moves into a more long-term setting.

I really am just looking for a quantitative breakdown of dating on both sides. I understand that it depends on the lifestyle.

View related questions: get a girlfriend, money, roommate

<-- Rate this Question

Reply to this Question


Share

Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question!

A male reader, Serpico United States +, writes (29 March 2016):

As a man, dating absolutely costs you. Marriage typically costs you more. From a purely evolutionary perspective, a man looks at a woman for her reproductive potential, a woman looks at a man for his resources. If you view almost all relationships through this lens, things become much less confusing.

<-- Rate this answer

A female reader, Honeypie United States + , writes (27 March 2016):

Honeypie agony auntI don't think it's that simple. As in.. dating will cost you XX amount of $ a month.

Unless you are expecting to RENT a GF.

Each girl is different, some have an income of their own and do the 50/50 on dates, others feel it's the guy's job to pay. Just like some expects presents, cards and flowers - others don't.

What you DO need to consider is, that a relationship takes time to build and maintain. It takes effort. It takes thoughts and feelings. And if you spend a LOT of time with friends or gaming... chances are that any relationship won't work long term. Because really, watching your BF play computer games... is not what most girls are about.

How much time are you "willing" to spend with a GF? How much effort are you willing to put forth? What do you have to offer? What kind of girl are you looking for? How much time are you willing to spend looking for the "right" match? Those are perhaps the questions you need to ask YOURSELF.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Sageoldguy1465 United States +, writes (27 March 2016):

Sageoldguy1465 agony auntWhen I was poor, I often took girls on dates in the back seat of my 1956 Pontiac.... out to Makeout Point, where we watched the submarine races......

Lately, now that I'm rich, dates consist of ..... ooops, I forgot... still out to Makeout Point... but now, I've got a 1994 Chevy Malibu....

Good luck....

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, anonymous, writes (27 March 2016):

This is ridiculous. How is this an offensive question?

Everyone I know, man or woman, would agree they spend more money on dating than when they are single & not dating.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, anonymous, writes (27 March 2016):

Agree with chi girl. I personally find this question somewhat offensive! Not all women are money grabbing and want everything paid for and too be showered in gifts.Me and my boyf both work and we take it in turns to pay for things eg going for a meal which is something we both like to do occasionally.Holidays we go halves. There have also been periods where One or both of us has been out of work,when times are hard we do free activities and dont splash out. The thing i like most from my boyf is his company and that costs nothing!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Danielepew Mexico +, writes (27 March 2016):

Danielepew agony auntIf you loved the girl, then budgeting wouldn't be a problem.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, anonymous, writes (26 March 2016):

I'd say it probably costs about the same as being single. Now I'm in a relationship I tend to go out with my boyfriend at weekends, rather than with friends, but effectively spend about the same either way. I guess it's one more birthday and Xmas present to buy each year but then I expect she would give you a gift in return. If anything, having a partner probably reduces the cost of living over time, as you'll probably end up living together and sharing the cost of rent/mortgage, gas/electric, etc.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, Flower89  +, writes (26 March 2016):

Flower89 agony auntThis might surprise you but as a girl in her late 20s with my own job and income. I'm not expecting a man to pay for me!

You know what women really appreciate being listened to,treated with respect, valued. If I go on a date with a man then yes in this day and age it's not so bad to split the bill

Yes there a gold diggers out there but is that is that the women you want as a girlfriend.

We aren't your property, you can't buy us. I can tell you if I got that impression from a guy i'd be gone.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, chigirl Norway +, writes (26 March 2016):

chigirl agony aunt... If you lived in the time where women were considered property, then this question would have been appropriate.

The answer is that women do NOT COST MONEY, as we are not objects and can not be bought! Good grief.

If you want to know how much dinner out costs, or how much flowers costs, then check the prices, or ask us the prices, but don't ask what a GIRLFRIEND costs. Because women are not for sale and girlfriends are not to be bought.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

Add your answer to the question "How much does dating actually cost?"

Already have an account? Login first
Don't have an account? Register in under one minute and get your own agony aunt column - recommended!

All Content Copyright (C) DearCupid.ORG 2004-2008 - we actively monitor for copyright theft

0.0312773000005109!