Why should a man take care of your daughter, if you don't bother to cultivate a daughter worth taking care of? A woman isn't doing a man a favour by marrying him. This is the correct frame for marriage, and was implicitly understood as such for the majority of human history.

The men act like they are so lucky and what have you, because men are romantic creatures when they are in love. It's a sentimental thing. You honour the father and his handiwork (his daughter) by asking for her politely. But objectively, you're taking on an additional liability.

And that's the cost of building a family, shouldering additional liability and responsibility, but never forget that, you, as a man, are the foundation upon which all those responsibilities lie. You are the bottom line and have the final say. Nothing works properly without you.

There's no equality, only asymmetry. They will always expect more from you than themselves. You have to be the strong one. Men desire women, women need men. Marriage is man's gift to women, and flies in defiance of his polygamous nature.

Life without a man is sh*t and difficult for most women, they're just too resentful and proud to say, and most won't admit it. This is why they're obsessed with marriage, babies and commitment - because without that, they have nothing. Some hide in careers, but regret it later.

Logically speaking, she should be the thankful one. Sentimentally speaking, you should be thankful for each other. Mutual appreciation goes a long way to sustaining a lasting union. Just remember, mutuality isn't equality. More is expected of you. Contextualise it properly.