Task 2 · Listening · Variant 9

Alice: Hey Ben, did you catch that article about dating norms in the news this morning?

Ben: Alice, hi! No, I must have missed it. What was it about?

Alice: It was talking about this weird thing where even though young people are all about equality these days, when it comes to dates, guys are still expected to pay!

Ben: I always figured things would be more split these days. But what's wrong with a guy paying for a girl if he wants to? In Russian culture, there's this whole idea of chivalry, you know?

Alice: Chivalry?

Ben: Yeah, like with knights in the Middle Ages, when courage, honour, and kindness were valued. And today, it's like the guy is supposed to make the grand gesture.

Alice: Oh, I see. The question is whether it's mutual. I sometimes feel pressured to let the guy pay even when I don't want him to. It feels a little old-fashioned, you know? Like I can't take care of myself.

Ben: Yeah, I can see that being awkward. I guess some guys might feel weird if a girl offered to pay, you know? Like it goes against some unspoken rule. In some countries, there can be this weird expectation that the guy should take charge, especially on a first date.

Alice: That's what my sister, who was born a decade before us, says. She thinks that if a guy takes a girl on a date, he is the one to pay. But I believe that this whole "men pay" thing reinforces old ideas about gender roles. Maybe things are changing, though, especially with younger people.

Ben: Wow, I hadn't really thought about it that way. I mean, I would happily pay for my date. And I do when I have the money. And if I don't, I refrain from asking a girl out. I guess, I am not ready to have an open conversation about it yet.

Alice: You shouldn't feel pressured. Maybe whoever suggests the date could just say something like, "Hey, how about we split the bill this time?"

Ben: Yeah, but it should be done upfront, to avoid any misunderstandings. Although I must admit, I do like paying when I can. It feels like a nice gesture. It feels right.

Alice: Yeah, I see what you mean. Maybe it could just depend on the situation. Like, if it's a fancy restaurant date, maybe you could pay, but if it's just grabbing coffee, you could split it.

Ben: Yeah, that makes sense. Hey, thanks for sharing your viewpoint, Alice. It gave me some things to think about.

Alice: No problem, Ben! Maybe we can try that whole "splitting the bill" thing next time we grab lunch?

Ben: Sounds good to me! And hey, if things go well, maybe I can treat you to coffee sometime!

Alice: We'll see how it goes!