The conversation started because of an upset friend. I was browsing through tweets recently when I realized that a friend seemed slightly annoyed by something people were discussing.

So, of course, I inquired about what was happening.

A few people were discussing the age-old question of “How much should a guy spend on a date?” The conversation had turned the corner into the “Is she worthy of a $200 date?” dead-end alley.

This set a few people off, including my friend, and with good reason. Here’s why.

The only concern anyone should have for how much he or she chooses to spend on a date is whether it’s a prudent decision to spend the money (i.e., Is Mint.com going to give you that Dikembe Mutombo finger wag for exceeding your allotted disposable funds for that week in three hours?).

The primary focus of any date should be this: Will I have a good time? Will she have a good time?

It doesn’t matter if you take a woman for a walk in Loose Park or if you drop $200 on dinner somewhere on the Country Club Plaza. Will you enjoy yourselves and one another’s company?

I don’t say that to pressure you into spending more on dates. That’s not it. It just shouldn’t be a primary focus. If your focus is pinning a dollar value on what you should spend on a date based on her “worth,” you may as well pin the money to her in real life. (Don’t do it. It won’t work out too well for you unless she’s a stripper.)

If a woman likes you, it won’t matter what you do as long as it isn’t life-threatening. You can buy $4 cupcakes and have a talk and she will be in heaven. It’s not necessarily about impressing someone. Dude, have a good time.

Sure, there are plenty of women out there who would scoff at a man thinking a good date can cost under $20. There are also some men who wouldn’t spend a dime under $100 on a dinner date.

You may come across these types from time to time.Their place in your life shouldn’t be permanent, which is great for them (and you).

They will be the ones who spend their time worried about valuing someone’s worth with the cost of a date. The more of them that find their way to each other, the better off the rest of us will be.

Here’s the heart of the matter for anyone who isn’t equating dollars spent to a good date: If she isn’t worth a $200 meal, she shouldn’t be worth a free walk in the park (i.e. worth your time), either.