I grew up in a time when the traditional date did not involve sex. Not in the getting to know each other phase, which took more than a few dates.
And now the traditional date does involve sex. Initiated by the man of course. Initiated by the woman, not traditional.
In FR tradition, I did not read the article to learn about other permutations.
My husband initiated our first date.
Sometimes he paid, sometimes I paid. Sometimes we just went to a park, each other’s house, or spent time with friends and talked. We didn’t have to go someplace special and spend money, we just liked being with each other.
Intercourse before the ring? Not happening.
Been together 32 years, married for 29.