That's what we did and it works *great* for us (disclaimer 3mos in), I have also heard of non-dating roommates doing this, although less frequently. We use it for rent, utilities, groceries, cleaning products, gas, car insurance, joint purchases (so far, cheap furniture) and meals out when we're together. Individual lunches, clothes, cell phones, medications, books, electronics, whatever end up in individual accounts. Our previous system was "alternate, and don't sweat the small stuff" so if something personal ends up on the joint card or vice versa, we assume it will come out in the wash. If that is something that would bother you, maybe you do need much more rigid rules. Incidentally I have previously asked cashiers to split an order and they never have a problem with it (usually when some of it was for a school/work purpose and I needed to purchase it tax-free and would get reimbursed).
Basically I think it's a practical tool and also, if this is relevant, a great way to start sharing finances if that's your final goal.
If your goal is a great relationship then the man pays all the expenses. The girl can do whatever she likes with moneyshe cchooses to earn. See book His Needs Her Needs for why this is.
Are you serious?
Sadly so and I'm a man! I go for scientifically documented stuff 90% of the time. It is not a Christian or religious thing. (I'm not) It is an unspoken "need" of the vast majority (95%+) of women to be supported fully by their husband spouse.
Of course that is only if you want your wife to love and respect you and to consistently meet your most important need. (you can probably guess what that is and please don't ask me if I really believe that is an average man's most important need in a relationship. You know it is)
This explains so much. I am sad for you. You have met TERRIBLE women in your life. And I question the validity of that book. Because I'm quite certain that NONE of the women I know have "an unspoken need to be supported fully by their husband". All of them work(ed) before having children. A few have chosen to be stay at home moms, but that definitely had more to do with being with their babies than being dependent (which, in fact, was certainly on the con side of the list). At least one remains the breadwinner in her family.
The book you reference was published in 1986, and based on the intro relates to the author's experiences in the 60s through the 80s. I would wager that 95% of women at that time were raised (in the 30s through 50s) with the expectation that they would be supported by a man. Hence the "need". But now we're dealing with a different generation of grown women, mainly raised *without* that expectation.