Swipe Right, Split the Check: Why Modern Dating Could Use a Little Old-Fashioned Romance
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Swipe Right, Split the Check: Why Modern Dating Could Use a Little Old-Fashioned Romance

When Did Dating Become So Complicated?

Jennifer McDougall
6 min readAug 22, 2024

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Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder: when did dating start feeling like an episode of “The Twilight Zone”? As a single woman who’s spent countless coffee dates dissecting love and relationships with my girlfriends, I’ve noticed a shift that’s left me scratching my head. These days, men expect us to go 50/50 on everything; chivalry seems to be fading away, and somehow, we’re now expected to chase them. Did I miss a memo?

This shift has left many of us wondering what happened to the traditional values we once cherished. So, let’s take a stroll through the modern dating landscape to figure out how we got here and where we might be headed.

A Look Back: When Romance Was a Little More Old-Fashioned

Not so long ago, men were the protectors and providers, and women were the nurturers and caretakers. This dynamic played out in dating norms—men pursued women, picked up the tab, and did things like open doors or pull out chairs. It was a time when a girl could expect to be wooed and wowed.

These roles were as much a part of our culture as a favorite pair of high heels. But as women have made incredible…

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Jennifer McDougall
Jennifer McDougall

Written by Jennifer McDougall

Host of Life Refined podcast 🎙️ Personal Growth | Self-Improvement | Wellness 💡 Helping you level up your mindset & life. https://linktr.ee/jenmcdougall

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