Over the decades, the concept of dating and love has evolved significantly, with a noticeable shift towards materialism and financial expectations. What once centered around emotional connection, compatibility, and shared values has, for some, become intertwined with material wants. Men’s rights activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj sparked a discussion on Indian dating norms with screenshots revealing WhatsApp conversations between a man and a woman where the woman demanded money from the man, two times.
WhatsApp screenshots spark debate on money and dating norms in India
Men’s rights activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj recently ignited a debate on dating expectations in India by sharing revealing WhatsApp screenshots. These screenshots captured conversations between a man and a woman, highlighting financial requests with regard to their meet-up plans.
In the first exchange, the woman agreed to meet for coffee but asked the man for ₹10,000 upfront to cover expenses like waxing, manicure, clothes, and makeup. She justified her request by suggesting that free dates lacked excitement in modern times. Providing her UPI ID, she set a precedent that drew attention to the evolving dynamics of dating.
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In another screenshot, the same woman approached the man for financial assistance after her spending spree in the Noida Mall
In another screenshot, the same woman approached the man for financial assistance again, this time seeking ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 after overspending at Noida’s Mall of India. The screenshot revealed that the man questioned about her purchases. She mentioned shoes and shirts.
When asked about needing more money, the woman explained she required it for commuting until her next salary, revealing her bank balance had dropped to ₹800. This added on to the screenshots shared by Bhardwaj which consequently have prompted reflection on how financial aspects increasingly influence dating dynamics in the contemporary world.
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Here have a look at the shared screenshot which hid the name of the woman
Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj shared the screenshot on X (formerly known as Twitter) with a bold statement. She wrote in the caption as we quote,
“Dating in India ain’t for beginners….”
Check out the post,
Dating in India ain’t for beginners…. pic.twitter.com/vpFfaZAI7z
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) June 18, 2024
Netizens have noteworthy opinions on this matter
Undoubtedly, the screenshots shared by men’s rights activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj have triggered a wave of outrage on social media platform X, amassing over 1.5 lakh views. Commentators have expressed a range of sentiments, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the intersection of money and relationships in modern dating.
CA Ankit, an X user, wrote that many men seemed willing to bear such financial burdens, highlighting a perceived imbalance in expectations. Several users voiced their opinions mentioning that these exchanges are more like a business deal rather than genuine dating.
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One commenter opined that the situation revealed a troubling trend where women may exploit vulnerable or lonely men for their financial needs. Another user went as far as to reject the notion of such interactions as dating, instead characterizing them as instances of begging.
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
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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.
— (@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
It’s getting sicker
— Monica (@musing_monica) 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
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INCREDIBLE DATING TRENDS IN INDIA…
— Yati P (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shadow21201) June 18, 2024
Dating or Bhikhari
— NIKHIL MISHRA (@D3vilsCall) June 18, 2024
— Yeh toh Rii hai (@itsriionly) June 18, 2024
The heated discourse underscores broader societal debates on expectations and the evolving dynamics of intimacy in an increasingly digital and transactional age. What are your thoughts? Do share via the comments below.
