Oz - you have observed the male equivalent of the 'white knight supermarket queue theory.'
White Knight Supermarket Queue Theory (as told by Rep)
Ever wondered why when you as a bloke are waiting in the queue to buy a slab of beer at the supermarket - why it is that no matter how few items or how many items that a woman purchases that they never have their purse, money or credit card ready and will spend moments or minutes frantically looking for the purse as if it is completely unexpected that they have to pay?
Well, it's because of White Knight Supermarket Queue Theory... essentially, secretly the woman doesn't expect to pay. She is actually expecting that suddenly a 'White Knight' will appear sweep her off her feet and throw down enough cash on her behalf before grabbing the groceries and taking her to a better life...
... Of course much like 'Commitment Denial Substitution Anxiety Syndrome' neither is particularly likely... but hope springs eternal and everyday in every location... woman secretly pine for the white knight to appear and transform their lives...
... but hell it isn't any less likely than finding a suitable mate in some seedy bar under the influence of alcohol or at a dance party...
... the stupid thing is... if someone actually turned up... they'd be locked up as some sort of freak or accused of assault...