A recent survey found that nearly half of singles say dating isn't worth the cost. With the average date now costing $189, many people feel dating is getting in the way of their financial goals. That made me think about my parents. My mom once told me dating was different when she was young. People often started as friends. They got to know each other's values, habits, and goals before becoming a couple. Once they were together, they started talking about the future—where to live, how to save money, and what kind of life they wanted to build. My dad didn't have much money. My mom's family was actually better off. But they never treated dating like a competition over who could spend more. They planned dates they could afford. They talked openly about money and made decisions together. That habit stayed with them throughout their marriage. Looking back, I think dating wasn't just about having fun. It was where they first learned how to build a life together. Today, many people feel dating gets in the way of their financial goals. My parents believed dating helped them build their future together. It made me wonder: Should a relationship help you build your future, or just make the present more enjoyable?