You’ve probably scrolled by it: the “princess treatment” TikTok trend—where men order for women, talk for them, treat them like porcelain. The videos hit 4.5 million views. Some applauded the romance; others slammed it as submissive or regressive.

On one hand, isn’t it nice to have someone say “Let me handle this”? It feels flattering. It evokes courtship rituals, chivalry. The creator said it’s about self-care, about letting someone else lead sometimes, “sprinkle sprinkle,” she calls it—a moment of inner peace .

But Dating Dave sees another side: when choice is taken away, agency disappears. The woman stops being a partner and becomes a prop. You think she’s peaceful—but what if she’s bored, silenced, waiting to speak? It may look like self-care—until you notice it feels empty.

True partnership isn’t passive. It’s shared decision-making. It’s a dinner table where both speak. It’s “What do you want?” not “Let me do this for you, because I’m manly.” That red line separates respect from control.

There is grace in supportive acts—buying flowers, holding doors, paying attention. But don’t confuse ceremony with consent. If she’s silenced at dinner, if she never wants to speak to the waiter, you need to ask: is that her choice—or your control?

Dating Dave says: romance is healthy when both people are active. Support her agency. Invite her in. Ask her what she wants—don’t just assume. If she’s fully engaged and that feels right, joyous even, great. But if her voice is dimming, that’s a slow fade.

This trend sparked conversation because it hit an emotional nerve. Some felt seen. Others felt erased. Both reactions matter. So sprinkle romance—but don’t smother autonomy. Because equality and presence—that’s the new princess treatment. Flame it with intention, yes. But focus it with respect, choice, and mutuality.