The imbalance of power is initiated when one person from the very beginning of the relationship is expected to do more than the other person. I know that if I spend any time with her, she gains a lot more from my knapsack of knowledge than I will gain from hers.
In addition, there is risk associated with willing to be in her presence.
At any moment, she may burst into tears screaming and wailing, how will this situation be handled? A peaceful lunch has now turned into a distressing nightmare, the maiden has never been expected to pay for her own meal, let alone the meal of her suitor.
The tears erupted at the most unexpected moment, we were discussing the success and complications of the reintroduction of wolves into the Northern Rocky Mountains. I calmly ask her, “Why are you crying?”
“You are so mean to the wolves.”
I am mean to wolves? I have never touched a wolf in my life and I approve of their reintroduction. I feel my stomach turn as my mind searches for the myriad of reasons of why she is crying. The concerned look on my face turns to a grin as I realize my mistake. Why do I care about this feeble maiden?
“What is so funny?”
She has noticed my grin. Her beauty allowed me to forget for a moment that AWALT. I do not respond. I cut into my carne asada burrito that is smothered with enchilada sauce. The real reason I am here.
Thankfully she is paying for this. I imagine all the suckers willing to pay for her meal while witnessing her lack of emotional intelligence.
Why would I ever pay for a social engagement if I am the one taking all the risk?
There are countless other activities that will bring immensely more value to my life than spending time with her. I finish my burrito and politely excuse my to the restroom.
“There is no restroom here.”
I can see the pleading in her eyes, she wants me to wait until she is finished with her meal.
“I will go across the street.”
The propagation of this thread: the unreasonable expectations society places on men.