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Twitter poll sparks debate over whether dating a primary breadwinner is more attractive than splitting 50/50

Poll found majority of women want a partner 'who provides'

Chelsea Ritschel
Tuesday 03 March 2020 17:23 GMT
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Woman sparks debate about whether a 'man should provide' (Stock)
Woman sparks debate about whether a 'man should provide' (Stock)

A woman has reignited a debate about whether there should be a primary breadwinner in a relationship after asking women to weigh in on a Twitter poll.

Last week, Juliana Stewart asked her Twitter followers whether it is “sexier” to be in a relationship that is “50/50” where you “split bills, date nights, holidays, living arrangements, everything” or where the man provides for everything.

According to the poll, which received more than 4,000 votes, the majority of respondents believe it is more attractive to be with “a man who provides”.

Alternatively, only 36.9 per cent said they think it is “sexier” to be in a relationship where finances are split evenly.

The poll prompted some women to explain their reasoning in the comments, with those in favour of a relationship where their partner pays for everything referencing outdated gender stereotypes.

“Honestly, I could never do 50/50,” one person wrote. “It just doesn’t make me see him as a leader or a husband in any sense.”

Another said: “I'm kind of surprised the 50/50 is that high.”

However, others said that a relationship where both partners share the costs of everything is preferable because it creates a “team” mentality.

“I can provide for myself and I expect the same from my man,” one woman commented. “I’m happy to contribute to what we have/do together because I see us as a team in that respect.”

Someone else said: “We live in a weird time and I don’t expect my man to provide every single thing. I’m a woman and I’m capable too.”

Previously, a study by dating app Badoo found that 65 per cent of women prefer to pay on the first date.

According to the study, the results came down confidence and the understanding that societal dating norms can lead to financial pressure on men.

“For men to adhere to the traditional (and outdated) view of paying for and initiating dates all the time, they are likely to face emotional - and financial - burnout,” psychologist and dating expert Claire Stott explained. “Modern women are aware of this and for the most part, don’t want to take advantage.”

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