A recent incident in Noida has ignited a heated discussion about the evolving nature of dating and financial expectations. In a series of WhatsApp exchanges shared by men’s rights activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, a woman requested ₹10,000 from a man for a coffee date, citing expenses for waxing, manicure, clothes, and makeup. This demand has highlighted the increasing materialism in modern relationships, where financial contributions often overshadow emotional connections.
WhatsApp Conversations Highlight Financial Demands for Date
Bhardwaj shared screenshots on social media, showing the woman justifying her request by claiming that free dates lack excitement nowadays. She provided her UPI ID, setting a precedent that drew significant attention and sparked a broader debate on dating norms in India.
Further Financial Requests
In another screenshot, the same woman asked the man for an additional ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 after overspending at Noida’s Mall of India. She mentioned purchasing shoes and shirts, and when questioned about needing more money, she explained it was for commuting until her next salary, revealing her bank balance had dropped to ₹800.
Bhardwaj’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption,
“Dating in India ain’t for beginners….”
has garnered over 1.5 Million views, with numerous users expressing a range of opinions.
Some commentators highlighted an imbalance in expectations, with men bearing financial burdens. Others criticized the interactions as more business transactions than genuine dating, with one user describing it as exploiting vulnerable men.
Dating in India ain’t for beginners…. pic.twitter.com/vpFfaZAI7z
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) June 18, 2024
And the sad part is that so many boys/Men are ready the bear these expenses
— CA Ankit (@caankitnagpal) June 18, 2024
That’s not Dating. That’s hiring Escorts with extra steps. Nothing wrong though.
— Deshpande (@Deshpande__) June 18, 2024
This is just PANO – Prostitution by Another Name Only
— Hélène du .P Menagé (Fernández) (@Helene_G_du_P_M) June 18, 2024
It’s not a date or the beginning of a relationship; it’s purely business, resembling the traditional heeramandi in a modern and sophisticated form.
— 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒂 (@itsDivasChoice) June 18, 2024
Yeah no I’m not paying for them. What do they have to offer when men are the ones paying for everything?
— Pavan ⛩️ (@pavan99912) June 18, 2024
True love and affection is (almost) extinct now.
Rest everything (thrill, lust, sex , drugs) remains which obviously demands money.
Most metro girls are like that and not just girls guys are not far behind— Technomedic (@technomedic) June 19, 2024
Dating or Bhikhari 🫤
— NIKHIL MISHRA (@D3vilsCall) June 18, 2024
INCREDIBLE DATING TRENDS IN INDIA…
— Yati P (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shadow21201) June 18, 2024
The discourse underscores broader societal debates on financial expectations in relationships and the evolving dynamics of intimacy in an increasingly digital and transactional age.
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