The (almost) Perfect Date

What's the point of dating? I'm not asking for a talk on the birds and the bees, I'm asking why it's such a big deal. You meet a guy, go out to eat a few times. You smooch a little and it ends within a few months. No big deal right? It shouldn't be, but it is. How come it's always the girl that is babied? "No honey you pick out the restaurant." "Munchkin I only care about what you want." "No sweetie pie I love you more." What's all the fuss? Why can't the guy pick out the movie? Why can't the girl pick up the check every now and then? Why is there this stereotype that women have to be treated like a puppy dog, as if they can't take care of themselves. It's riduculous and full of silly pointless arguments and a lot more stressful than it's worth. Besides, boys have cooties.