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Graphic shows responses to AP-WE tv poll on dating; 2c x 4 inches; 96.3 mm x 101 mm;


An Associated Press-WE tv poll finds that two-thirds of Americans think it's tougher to talk money with your romantic partner than it is to talk sex. Three in 10 say sex is the harder conversation.


Seven in 10 of those surveyed say it's unacceptable to expect a date to pay for everything. But most still say it's a man's job to pay for the first date.

Most say it's OK to ask someone out because he or she seems successful. But even more say it's unacceptable to turn down people because they haven't had much success.

One-third think it's OK to search for online clues about a potential first date's success in life. But very few say daters should pay attention to each other's finances before they are exclusive.





There's a clear gender gap on finances.



A shaky financial past is generally acceptable, and more say they're comfortable dating someone who grew up in a poor family than in a wealthy one. But a questionable present inspires doubt.



Among men who aren't married or living with a partner, 84 percent say they'd marry someone they love regardless of whether she or he could provide financial security. Women are more cautious, with 61 percent would choose marriage for love without regard to financial standing.


A Time/Yankelovich survey conducted in March 1978 found that about three-quarters of Americans felt women ought to put their husbands and children ahead of their careers and felt women with young children shouldn't work outside the home unless it's financially necessary. Now, about half hold those views.



The poll was conducted in conjunction with WE tv ahead of the launch of the show "Mystery Millionaire."




AP News Survey Specialist Dennis Junius contributed to this report.



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