The worst aspect of dating from the perspective of many men is how dating can feel to a man like robbery by social custom – the social custom of him taking money out of his pocket, giving it to her, and calling it a date. To a young man, the worst dates feel like being robbed and rejected. Boys risk death to avoid rejection (e. g., by joining the Army)

p. 314. - The Myth of Male Power (1993) - Part III: Government as substitute husband