Young people today generally express liberal views on various relationship norms, yet the traditional notion that men should pay for dates remains prevalent in heterosexual courtship. Despite advocating for equality in other aspects of life, Millennials and Gen Z individuals still seem to adhere to the traditional dating rule of men footing the bill more often than women. This tension between modern values and traditional dating norms is evident in the experiences and opinions of a diverse group of young Americans. The persistent gender wage gap, along with women's higher spending on reproductive care and preparation for dates, is often used to defend this norm. For example, a 24-year-old New Yorker, Kala Lundahl, expresses that while she offers to split the check on first dates, she still expects the man to pay, a sentiment that is not uncommon among her peers.