Domestic violence Refusing to pay
As you can probably guess from its name, the Japanese government’s Gender Equality Bureau isn’t a fan of imbalance in interpersonal relationships. What is surprising to many people, though, is the bureau’s assertion that “not paying for any dating expenses” is committing an act of domestic violence. On its website, the bureau lists four categories of “dating domestic violence.” It’s discussion of “economic violence,” though, that’s been raising some eyebrows this week. While one could argue that this is using the word “violence” in its broadest possible sense, most of the examples are things that would be considered wrong under basic common sense/decency, such as not paying back money borrowed from a romantic partner, taking money from their bank account, and forbidding them to work outside the home or forcing them to quit their job.
“Yeah, it’s practically theft, so it’s obviously a form of domestic abuse.”
“Does this make guys who habitually treat the girl on dates masochists for actively encouraging dating domestic violence?”
“Let’s all make sure to properly split the bill, because the government has said that anything other than that is considered economic violence, OK?”
“Coerced treating is a crime.”
It’s when one person attempts to force their partner to shoulder all of the dating costs against their will that it crosses the line into unacceptable behavior, or when someone demands to be reimbursed for past dating expenses that, at the time, they offered to pay for. Just like going to a butcher shop on a date is fine if that’s what both you and your sweetheart are into, so too is it OK if you’re in agreement that you’ll be treating her to a half-pound of ground beef. In other words, the bureau’s guidelines are more about discouraging someone from unilaterally declaring “We’re going out, and you’re going to pay for me” or becoming verbally abusive if asked to chip in, not shaming someone for consistently accepting offers to be treated. This is not the first time the vague language used on the bureau’s website regarding who pays on a date has caused confusion, and the list of examples being followed by the declaration that “All of these are violence” leaves the door open to misinterpretation that context and a couple’s specific circumstances are irrelevant. The statement has remained on the site in its current form since 2018, so maybe it’s time for an update that puts a finer point on things.
Daring Dating Decisions
Did you hear about the guy who dated Supergirl and Wonder Woman?
Turns out, he was a heroine addict.
Dating in your 30s is like looking for a parking spot…
The good ones are all taken. The rest are either handicapped or too far away.
I dated a one legged girl who worked at a brewery.
She was in charge of the hops.
Started dating a girl. I thought she might be the one.
But after looking through her wardrobe. I found a Nurse’s outfit, a French maid’s outfit,
and a Police woman’s uniform.
I finally decided: If she can’t hold down a job, she’s not for me.
November 2nd Birthdays
1961 – k. d. lang, 1973 – Marisol Nichols, 1998 – Briell Barbusca, 1942 – Stephanie Powers
1734 – Daniel Boone, 1967 – Scott Walker, 1966 – David Schwimmer, 1985 – Danny Amendola