Money Wisdom #115

"A young woman who goes out with a man to the cinema has a stock repertoire of responses to his offer to buy both tickets. Going dutch means that she refuses social obligation at this stage; accepting the offer leaves open the question of how the gift will be returned..... On other occasions we make compromises, perhaps offering to pay the tip while one's companion picks up the bill for a shared meal. This retains the social and spiritual companionship of the gift, while asserting an underlying willingness and ability to reciprocate as an equal in future."

Keith Hart Money in an Unequal World (2000) p.195