In the past, dating practices were governed by a sense of propriety where men adhered to certain rules about visiting women. When a man was interested in a woman, he would often pick her up without going into her home if she lived alone. This approach was reflective of the social norms of the time, which emphasized decorum and respect.

Such customs highlighted the boundaries and expectations surrounding courtship, establishing a respectful distance that men maintained during their romantic pursuits. It illustrates how societal values guided interactions between the sexes, influencing dating behaviors long before contemporary practices evolved.