Who Should Pay?

While listening to talk radio the other day coming home from work, one of the DJs was discussing his dating.  The discussion of who should pay for things on a date came up.  Now the subject stated that he was "a man" and always paid.  One of the others said he would split with his date and the female in the group said that she often paid her own way.

While I was in high school, I often asked the girl to go dutch.  I had a job but did not make much money.  Once in a while I would pay for both, but sometimes it just wasn't possible.  I too, was of the thinking that the guy should pay for it all, but had to allow her to pay too sometimes out of necessity.

As time wore on, it became more of me paying than not.  Of course, with marriage it all combined anyway.

After my divorce and back into dating again, I paid for most things but allowed the woman to purchase a drink or two if she wanted without letting my ego get bruised.  As I began dating my fiance', I would pay for most things but often she would pitch in to help out.  Now, we often split the cost.  If we go to a movie, one will pay for the movie, the other the snacks.  Splitting the costs of dating or trips seems to take the financial pressure off of each other and allows us a better chance at doing some very awesome things.

As the guy on the radio was talking, I began to disagree with his "I'm a man" theory about having to pay for everything;.  I think a relationship that is going to be equally based should be financially as well. 

What do you think?  Dutch or guy paying it all?  See the poss on this page.