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We all have different expectations in life. Some people are happy with the basics. Others believe you should be treated like absolute royalty - and honestly, neither is wrong. But when it comes to relationships, things get especially blurry. What one person calls “the bare minimum,” someone else might see as full-on princess treatment.

So where do you draw the line? In this poll, you’ll see 26 everyday relationship acts that people love to debate. Your job is simple: decide what counts as real effort and what shouldn’t be getting a medal.

And if you’re in the mood to judge even more dating moments, you can check out Part 2 here - because apparently, we all have very strong opinions about romance. 💬💖

🚀 💡 Want more or looking for something else? Head over to the Bored Panda Quizzes and explore our full collection of quizzes and trivia designed to test your knowledge, reveal hidden insights, and spark your curiosity.💡 🚀

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#1

Letting Her Control The Music In The Car Every Time

Car dashboard with music player screen and person holding a phone, illustrating dating gestures in modern relationships.

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beebe2112 avatar
Grape Walls of Ire
Grape Walls of Ire
Community Member
40 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given that I have to air drum to Rush every time it comes on, it's probably best that my wife has some control over the music in the car.

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    #2

    Opening Bottles/Jars For Her

    Jars of preserved food lined up on a rustic shelf, symbolizing thoughtful dating gestures and meaningful care.

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    jen_mccartney avatar
    Jenka666
    Jenka666
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, sometimes we are just not strong enough

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    #3

    Remembering Her Friends’ Names And Drama

    Group of women enjoying drinks in vineyard, illustrating dating gestures and social connection beyond the bare minimum.

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    0points
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    hea_c avatar
    StrangeOne
    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    23 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Names should be a given, but I don't know many guys who care about drama.

    0
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    #4

    Letting Her Vent Without Trying To “Fix” It

    A couple sitting on a couch having a serious conversation about dating gestures and relationship expectations.

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    beebe2112 avatar
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    36 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a sore spot. I'm an engineer. I solve problems for a living. It's my instinct. But I have to shut it off when my wife tells me about her problems. I understand her perspective, but it's a challenge to always have to fight my instincts.

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    #5

    Letting Her Steal Your Fries Without Complaining

    Basket of golden French fries with ketchup serving, highlighting simple yet satisfying dating gestures and choices.

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    barrylittle avatar
    Phantom Phoenix
    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium     51 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you end up really feeling like you didn't get enough chips and you're still a bit hungry; fụckin' buy more... or have some toast when ya get home, mate. You 100% will not die from having 8 fewer chips than you wanted

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    #6

    Putting Her Picture As Your Phone Wallpaper

    A hand holding a smartphone with a blank screen, representing dating gestures and communication in the digital age.

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    barrylittle avatar
    Phantom Phoenix
    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium     49 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's what pics of pets are for

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    #7

    Planning Surprise Date Nights

    Romantic beach dining setup at sunset with candles and palm trees, illustrating meaningful dating gestures.

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    #8

    Bringing Her Soup When She’s Sick

    Bowl of tomato-based soup garnished with fresh herbs and served with a sesame breadstick on wooden table.

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    #9

    Complimenting Her Regularly

    Various hands applauding under the word compliments, related to dating gestures and minimal effort in relationships.

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    #10

    Holding Hands In Public

    Couple holding hands outdoors, wearing winter coats, illustrating dating gestures and relationship connection.

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    #11

    Carrying Her Over Puddles/Mud

    Couple enjoying playful moment outdoors, symbolizing dating gestures and exploring relationship dynamics in modern dating.

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    #12

    Walking Slower To Match Her Pace

    Couple holding hands and walking outdoors, illustrating dating gestures and relationship dynamics discussion.

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    beebe2112 avatar
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    35 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't have much choice but to slow down.

    2
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    #13

    Ordering Two Drinks So She Can Taste Both And Choose Her Favorite

    Two colorful cocktails on a table symbolizing dating gestures and questioning accepting the bare minimum in relationships.

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    beebe2112 avatar
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    34 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's princess treatment, but I'll do it anyway.

    1
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    #14

    Letting Her Win Arguments In Public

    Couple having a serious conversation outdoors, illustrating common dating gestures and relationship communication.

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    armacarmac avatar
    Armac
    Armac
    Community Member
    Premium     1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or be civilised and don’t have arguments in public.

    3
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    #15

    Waiting With Her While She Shops

    Woman browsing white shirts in a modern store, reflecting on dating gestures and whether we accept the bare minimum

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    0points
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    beebe2112 avatar
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    33 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on whether there's a record store nearby.

    1
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    #16

    Driving Her Instead Of Letting Her Take Public Transport

    Two people sitting in a car engaging in intimate gestures, highlighting dating gestures and relationship connection.

    Danik Prihodko Report

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    #17

    Telling Her She’s Pretty When She Says She Isn’t

    Curved black text on white background reading you are really pretty representing dating gestures and the bare minimum.

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    #18

    Remembering Small Details From Months Ago

    A couple sharing a joyful moment indoors, highlighting dating gestures and questioning the acceptance of the bare minimum.

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    #19

    Paying For Her Uber

    Close-up of a car with a glowing Uber sign, illustrating modern dating gestures and ride-sharing culture.

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    #20

    Apologizing First To Keep The Peace

    The word sorry spelled out on cards next to pink flowers, relating to dating gestures and apologies.

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    #21

    Giving Her Your Seat When There Aren’t Enough

    Airplane seatbelt clasp resting on a brown and gray leather seat, symbolizing minimal dating gestures to accept.

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    #22

    Checking If She’s Cold Or Hungry

    Young woman wrapped in a blanket sitting on a couch, reflecting on dating gestures and relationship expectations.

    Pavel Danilyuk Report

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    jen_mccartney avatar
    Jenka666
    Jenka666
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we just say when we’re cold or hungry?

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    #23

    Refilling Her Water

    Person in mustard sweater pouring water into a glass, illustrating simple dating gestures and minimal effort.

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    #24

    Letting Her Go Through Doors First

    Young woman in a leather jacket opening a door, illustrating dating gestures and questioning accepting the bare minimum in relationships

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    #25

    Sharing Your Location With Her

    Person holding smartphone showing map, symbolizing navigation and dating gestures acceptance in modern relationships.

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    #26

    Making Tea When She’s Tired

    Tea cup with a tea infuser on a lace doily over old pages, creating a cozy setting for dating gestures discussion.

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    mike_139 avatar
    GOZ
    GOZ
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish there were a few more options in the poll. Some people don't like tea. I can't carry my wife across puddles, Some people don't like to be the first one entering a room, etc. I'd like a N/A or "other" choice, cause somethings are not well defined in life.

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