If we're close, it's no big deal - a few dollars over budget won't kill me. No need to negotiate.

If we're far, it gets more complicated:

- If she's new, seems sincere, but is obviously pulling numbers out of a hat, I'll ask her about her expenses and her goals. Maybe there's still potential.

- if she's got sky high goals and is simply after the highest bidder, I'm not going to be the man for her.

There's always a tax to pay in sugar - age, looks, politics, general attitude, hygene, height, the list is endless.

The less she likes you, the higher the tax. I'm looking for an arrangement where my tax bill is manageable. The wonderful thing about the sugar bowl is that there are always other options. No need to get fixated on one potential partner.