Dating Rules

Dating Rules

The do’s and don'ts of the world of relationships and dating

No one ever said dating was easy. First dates are awkward, second dates are
expectant and the dates that follow that -- during which two people really start
getting down to the business of getting to know each other -- present hundreds, if
not thousands, of opportunities for missteps, faux pas, blunders and mistakes.
That is to say nothing of the myriad chances for problems to which you could fall
prey while arranging, planning and preparing for dates.

 We call too often or not enough, we're too available or never around, we wear
sandals to fancy restaurants, laugh hysterically at bad jokes, show up with blue
carnations, gab on our cell phones during dinner and commit countless other
dating crimes, mostly without realizing we’re doing it. No doubt about it -- bad
dating behavior is a rampant affliction, and it's time to cure it with some common
sense advice.

If dating is a game, then just like any other game, there are rules you need to
study, learn and follow. After all, you wouldn't take the field without knowing
where the base lines are, would you? (For those of you who are immune to ball
field metaphors, the answer is "no.") While none of these do's and don'ts are set
in stone -- and, as your mother told you, there are obviously exceptions to every
rule -- here we attempt to equip you with an idiot-proof playbook for the fastpaced,
intense, exciting, full-contact sport of searching for someone with whom
to fall in love.

Dating Rules -- Do's

1. Do try to always look your best and be punctual. Showing up late or looking
messy gives the impression that you don't care -- and, if that's the case, why go
out with this person in the first place?

2. Do try to enjoy yourself on dates. Yes, finding your soul mate is serious
business, and it can sometimes even be a scary endeavor, but keep in mind that
this is supposed to be fun.

3. Do compliment your date on how he or she looks. Men and women tend to put
a lot of effort into getting ready for a date, and it's nice (and flattering) to hear that
all that energy paid off.

4. Do be interested and interesting. Ask questions, share insights and pay
attention when your date is telling you what they like to do, read, watch, listen to,
etc.

5. Do tell someone directly if you're not interested in seeing them again. Lying
and stringing people along simply because you're too scared to tell them the truth
is selfish and hurtful. If you don't want to go on another date with someone, let
them down as gently -- but firmly -- as possible.

6. Do date only people you're attracted to, no matter what your friends say.
Approval by your peers doesn't prove a thing.

7. Do stay positive, even when dates don't end well. It is most certainly true that
you will date a few frogs before you find a prince. Along the way, you will
probably meet some pretty nice people.

8. Do plan ahead. Dating is a creative diversion that requires concentration and
energy, so make arrangements ahead of time and let your date know you put
some thought into the evening.

9. Do be proactive about finding people to date. The man or woman you've been
searching for your whole life is probably not going to come ring your doorbell and
beg you to go to dinner anytime soon. Dating requires action, so get out there
and meet as many people as you can.

10. Do surround yourself with positive, like-minded people who are dating, too.
Part of the fun of dating is celebrating, comparing notes and commiserating with
your friends. Surround yourself with positive people who are rooting for you to
succeed at love and will be there for you if/when you need emotional support.

Dating Rules -- Don'ts

1. Don't call, text message or email someone you've just started seeing more
than once a day unless they reply (or in the event of an emergency). Desperation
and instability are major turnoffs.

2. Don't date the kind of people who've hurt you in the past. Many of us are
attracted to people who are bad for us, but it's important to break these patterns
and seek out healthy relationships with matches who won't demean you or make
you feel bad about yourself in any way.

3. Don't be late for a date. It's just rude. If you have to change your plans, give
the other person as much notice and consideration as possible. And always
apologize.

4. Don't lie to your date or about any aspect of your life, even if the truth isn't as
sexy or you're worried they won't like it. It would be awful to ruin a potentially lifechanging
relationship with your perfect match because of some silly lie you told
early on to impress him or her.

5. Don't be too available. We don't mean you should play games, but if you're
free every night, you're probably not taking care of yourself, pursuing your own
interests and spending time with your friends -- which means you're probably not
very interesting to talk to. People with full, exciting lives make the best dates.

6. Don't give away too much about yourself at the beginning. Revealing your
innermost secrets on the second date can lead to rejection. Don't be scared to
open up, but remember that getting to know someone takes time, and you should
let your relationship evolve.

7. Don't check out other people when you're on a date. Ever. This is just tacky.
You may think you are subtle, but while you're scoping the cutie in the corner,
your date will be heading for the door. Extend your partner the courtesy of
concentrating solely on them while you're with them.

8. Don't be rude or get drunk on a date. Courtesy and manners will get you
everywhere.

9. Don't ignore your personal safety. Carry your cell phone and keep it charged --
and make sure to tell your friends where you're going and when you'll be back.
First dates should take place in well-lit public places. Don't ever let yourself be
coerced into going anywhere or doing anything that makes you uncomfortable.

10. Don't give out personal information like your home phone number or address
on the first date. Keep these details to yourself until you trust the person you're
dating.

11. Don't have sex on a first date. If you like someone and are interested in
getting to know them better (and possibly having a relationship), sex on a first
date will likely ruin everything. It's much too soon, it's not romantic and it
communicates to the other person that you're more interested in their physical
characteristics than in finding out who they are.

12. Never date a married person. Statistically, it is very unlikely that they will ever
leave their husband or wife for you. Dating someone who's married is the best
way to serve yourself a heaping helping of misery, lies, deceit, sadness and
heartache. If you are married, separate before dating. If you're single, don't be a
shoulder to cry on -- you deserve better. Go out and find someone who's
emotionally (and legally) available to you!






See Also: WHAT'S DATING ABOUT ACTUALLY?



Source: www.topdatingtips.com/dating-rules.htm