I read somewhere that girls make up/dress up not for the guys, they actually do it to be competitive in the presense of other girls in a social fucntion.

Don't blame girls, blame economics. Fact is that unlike in the past, we can't go around living for free in caves. The harsh reality of life is that we do need money for good, shelter and to provide a good education for our kids so that they in turn, will be able to start and look after their own families some time down the road.

Sure, some women are just into the money but you'll realise that they make up only a small proportion of the total female population. Most women or ok if you are just an average guy so long as you have direction in life. Having a goal in life gives a girl the security that she needs, knowing that you are striving to provide the family you've started a better life. I don't see anything wrong in that? In fact, I'd encourage a girl to leave her guy if he doesn't act like a man.