Daya & HIDE AWAY: Why Guys Should Stop Complaining About Paying for Dates

Every time I have started driving in the past two weeks, I have heard Adele's Hello.

This is not a hyperbole.

LITERALLY, WHENEVER I get into my CAR, my RADIO asks HOW I AM, WHERE I'VE BEEN, and IF I MADE IT OUT OF TOWN.

This is notable because I don't do a lot of driving. I commute back and forth to work, I buy groceries, and I might even visit a friend. I'm in the car anywhere from three to nine minutes, tops.

I may turn on the radio during the back end of Hello. I may catch the middle of Hello. More often, Hello starts the second I turn the key.

I AM SICK OF HELLO.

But I'm not here to talk about Hello. I'm here to talk about Daya's Hide Away.

I like the musicality of Hide Away, even if I don't like the question the lyrics pose. Good boys go to hide away in Provo, obviously. I mean, look at me! I'm right here!

I recently heard Hide Away on the radio, right after I ground my teeth through another rendition of Adele's Hello. I was already familiar with Hide Away, but this time, I noticed something in the lyrics I never had before. The important lyrics come right before the first bridge and chorus.

"... Girls seem to like the boys who don't appreciate
all the money and time that it takes
to be fly as a mother ..."

If you listen to the song, you'll realize Daya's point is that good boys will appreciate all the money and time it takes to be fly as a mother.

POW! As I heard those lyrics, I found the answer to a question I've pondered over my entire dating career.

WHY DOES SOCIETY DICTATE THAT GUYS HAVE TO PLAN/PAY FOR DATES?

Thanks to Daya, the answer is obvious.

Girls spend lots of money going out and shopping for clothes and makeup and shoes.

Guys might drop some cash on deodorant and hair products. Maybe.

Girls spend lots of time primping and preening and making sure they look their very best.

Guys might not even change their shirt before a date. When it comes to planning dates, their attempts are often laughable.

Let's use my last date as a case in point. My very pretty date met me at her door. "So what are we doing tonight?" she asked.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I figured we'd wing it."

Summary

1.) Girls spend money on make-up, clothing, and shoes. (And I appreciate this!)
2.) Guys spend money on meals and activities.
3.) Girls spend their time sprucing up for their date. (And I appreciate this!)
4.) Guys spend their time 'planning' the date.

I have participated in conversations where dudes complain about the injustice our society has imposed on us. "We always have to pay for every date!" we grumble. "What's up with that?"

Well, now I know why. And so should every guy.

So girls, share this if you think the men in your life should be thanking you for the effort you make! And guys, share this if you'll stand with me and stop complaining about paying for dates!

And Daya, thank you for helping me see where I can improve at becoming a 'good boy.' :)