Why is "playful conversation" so prized in Anglosphere Dating?

[ArchibaultNew]

Hey guys,

I noticed that this concepts of playful conversation also known as banter exist in other culture. However, the degree to which they are cheerish in the Anglosphere(British, American, Australian..) seem to be very high.

For instance, it seem if you date a German woman you can be more "literal" and it would be fine. While in the Anglosphere not using 'Figurative Language" skills makes you boring and uncool. For instance, conversations particularly romantic are expected to be full of banter, sarcasm, irony,wit..etc.

To me this is one of the main reasons why dating in the Anglosphere is difficult compared to Eastern Europe. It appears to me that woman in Eastern Europe don't care too much about these things.

Also things like giving gifts like flowers is seen as "sentimental" or "cheesy." Like you are trying to "buy" someone with gifts..etc. When this might not be your intention. So visual and clear demostrations of affections are frown upon but "complex verbal expressions" are seen as ideal.

Looks, Money and Status can be learned and figure out. But "Playful Conversation" is one of the hardest skills to learn. It requires a high level of both social intelligence, figurative language skills and delivery(tone of voice..etc).

[annabaggins]

Do you think the emphasis on playful conversation in Anglosphere dating stems more from cultural values around individualism and entertainment, or is it tied to deeper social dynamics like emotional distancing or indirectness in expressing interest?