What is really clear in this thread is that there are many different viewpoints and expectations, especially from the man's point of view. I think Merlot said it best, "it's tricky." I see indy's almost exclusively, and because I am a long ways from Montreal, it is not weekly event, or even monthly except when I don't have any self control. My dates are not only for sex, I enjoy the company (usually), the intimacy, conversations, etc., the things that you would do with a real girlfriend, except you know you will get lucky on this date, and you don't have any strings (or chains) attached when you leave. If I am comfortable with the lady's personality before we meet, I often book 3 or 4 hours. If I am repeating with a lady it is because I had an awesome time, and I often book a dinner date or even an overnight. A gift only makes this a better experience for everyone. I do not expect anything in return, but it is rare that appreciation is not shown.....it's just human nature.
This cliche, but it really is not the cost of the gift, it's the thought. It shows respect, appreciation, thoughtfulness, and kindness. What woman, or man for that matter, would not appreciate those traits, no matter what business they are in? If I am spending a thousand dollars or more on the entire trip, what's an additional few bucks to help set the mood and make the experience even better for both of us? The important thing is that I don't even think of those things when I pick out a gift, I do it because I have already gotten to a point where I like the lady I am about to spend the evening with.....just like one would do with a girlfriend, only much better. In many years of doing this, there has only been one time when a lady started expecting more and more with each visit. In fact she even got to the point of asking me if I would pay her in US dollars.....and at par no less! I told her that she made me feel like an ATM! Needless to say, that relationship ended.
One might ask, "what's the point of hobbying, why don't you just get a girlfriend?" It would be way to long to list the reasons in this post, but among them are things like strings and chains, getting lucky on every date, I don't have to deal with PMS (usually) and let's not forget great enthusiastic sex with beautiful women.....You all know the reasons.
