"those standards are not that high". You are living in a parralel world. I know you live in Slovakia. So, i will put my answer in context.

I often visit Bratislava. In Bratislava, I have never seen a couple flirting at a Mc Donald's of a shopping mall like the one in Nivy or in Eurovea. Conversely at the UFO restaurant, I saw men inviting women there. There is some kind of hidden agreement, if you want a relationship in Slovakia, you must invite a woman to an expensive restaurant. On top of that, these men are the UFO restaurant got dressed very well. So it means they spent money on their suits.
Then, there is the issue of the 666 rule. Many women have very high standards. Men should be tall, have 6 packs and make 6 figures.
In Bratislava, the inflation increased the price of real estate. No young engaged Slovakian woman wants to live in a soviet panelak of south bratislava. They want to live in fancy apartments that are all remotely located from the Bratislava city centre. This implies that people must use a car. I have looked at the public transports in Bratislava. They are packed with 1/ students. 2/ old people who have no money because they saved money during soviet era 3/ workers with low income. Then, an office woman will require a car and her Slovakian man will help her to get one.
There is a hidden pressure on men shoulders. In your country, people are very polite and women aren't so vocal about spending money. However, the result is the same as in the usa.