When you get dressed up for a date and spend time, money and effort into looking good, men benefit from this. They benefit from an increase in social status, because, as we all know, not many men can say they’ve been in the company of a beautiful, intelligent and well-put together woman. When my ex and I used to go out, I remember other men would compliment me on my looks. One of my ex’s friends even told him that I looked good in a private conversation between them after. When I asked ex how that made him feel, he said “of course that makes me feel good.” Similarly, when we went to a board game evening, so many of the men said that my ex was a “lucky guy” for having me, further increasing ego. Even my low value ex understood the social benefits of being around a woman who was well-put together.

So, ladies. Don’t be put off from demanding the best. When a man asks you on a date, he is not only auditioning to impress you. He’s also likely to reap the benefits of your efforts in preparing for said date. Don’t sell yourself short by accepting low effort dates, and allow them to reap the benefits of your company without investing. Know your worth and add double the tax.