Sunday, October 9, 2011

Rules, Games, and Tests.. OH MY!!

I was surfing the web last week and I ran across a page that was talking about dating rules for women. It mentioned such things as "Don't answer when he calls, let him leave a message" "If he's available Tuesday, you are available Thursday", "Keep him waiting, always show up late", "Make sure he knows how to buy to flowers"... ok that last one would be nice.. but not realistic.
I have never understood these games or tests that people play in relationships. If I am interested in someone and I want to talk to them, I am going to get in touch with them. I have talked to plenty of guys tell me that they are sick of these games, that playing these games actually can push him away rather than attract him, as these websites tell us. There is really only one thing to know, he is either interested in you or he is not. No amount of 'trickery' is going to get him to hang out with you. The truth of the matter is, he has already made up his mind if he wants to see you or not, there is nothing you can say or do to change that. Smile.. and move on. True, men have different levels of deepness.. Just like anyone, but like everyone else... either like you or they don't.
A little secret for both sexes...... neither one of us is hard to figure out in relationships.. if it ends.. who ever leaves, they are just not interested. Don't make us spell it out in an awkward conversation in your mom's driveway right before you want to take us out on a surprise vacation, if we don't like you.. we don't like you, anything more than that and we are just cushioning the blow.
"If he is available Tuesday, be available Thursday", please, even if the guy IS interested in you, you do this enough and he will give up... think "short attention span". He doesn't want someone who can't make time to see him. Sure independence is attractive, but like everyone else, he wants to me wanted, hence the song "I want you to want me".... If you are constantly saying no when you mean yes and Thursday when he says Tuesday... guess who you are going to be spending that Thursday with? Yourself. No person is going to wait around forever for you, no matter how awesome and deserving you are. If you want to see them.. then see them. This DOES NOT mean stalk them!! Make sure that both parties are being seen by each other, not just you watching them from their front lawn. Just a side note, I am not talking about changing your plans JUST so you can see him on Tuesday, keep your identity, but if you happen both happen to be free and available to hang out on the same day... then go for it!
"Keep them waiting, always show up late", really? I would think that this would just be seen as disrespectful and unreliable. Be punctual. It's that simple. Same with the "Don't answer when he calls... make him leave a message" , if you are free to answer his call... answer the damn phone.

/Rant

Happy Dating!

Monday, August 29, 2011

How to date a Lady

OK fellas, I recently had my eyes opened on a date to what a good guy should be doing on a date when he is really trying to respect the woman he is with and treat her like a lady.  This sparked my interest to write about it and jot down a few things that will definitely win you points with that certain lady you are trying to make swoon.
1.        When asking her out on the 1st date coffee shops are always nice. They say “Chill, without the need to get her drunk and easy”.  Inviting someone out for drinks will only lead in one direction, too much physical contact too early, innuendos about sex, which WILL be fun in the moment, but are not the way to speak to a lady you just met and she will not see you as anything more that a guy who wants sex. It takes a lot of effort to get past that mindset once it is planted in our heads. There’s a reason people say to be friends first and then date, because friends aren’t just out looking for sex from you, they actually want to know about you and care about you when you are hurt.  
2.       When planning the date you might want to combine something the girl has mentioned earlier about things she is interested in.  If she has mentioned that she LOVES old movies and you heard that there is a showing of a Hitchcock movie playing in town, HIT THAT UP!  If she says she loves art and artsy things… look into art museums.  Playing on her interests definitely makes her feel like you are listening to what she has to say and that you see her as an important worthwhile person.  
3.       CALL HER! Don’t text her, take the time and effort to call her and ask her on the date. While seeming to be not a big deal, that chivalry shit goes a LONG way. Us ladies don’t always get calls from guys anymore... we are left to wait by our phones for that TEXT… when did we get to that point?
4.       Staying with this chivalry tune, on the date, be a gentleman.  By this I mean; open doors, walk her to her car, PAY for her. I have talked to a lot of guys who think that paying for a lady is too much now. That there is no reason to pay for her if she doesn’t even care and is just using you. A little secret to you guys, if you don’t treat us like we are worthwhile then we will JUST see you as a free meal for the night.  Besides, a good rule of thumb is not to ask out a lady if you can’t afford to pay her way as well. Unfortunately I have had several guys feel the way that I mentioned above and I have just started bringing enough money on the date for myself in case the guy chooses to go ‘dutch’.  After the 1st date that includes a meal you can start talking about paying your own way. But that 1st initial impression it critical for a lady. It’s always refreshing to have that door opened for us or being walked to our car, knowing that it is out of your way just to make sure we are safe getting there.
5.       And finally, dress nice when you do meet up. I’m not talking about suiting up, unless it IS a fancy place you are taking her. But if it is a casual date, at least comb your hair, put on clean clothes that fit and make you look put together. No one wants to show up to a 1st date only to see the guy wearing shorts and a shirt that looks like he just got done eating BBQ. If it’s a night date, go with a button up shirt and jeans and dear God no flip flops.  If you plan to treat her like she is a worthwhile person at least look like you too are a worthwhile person for her to give a damn about.

You may notice a trend in these topics, the word “worthwhile”.  This is key, neither us ladies or you guys want to feel like we are just a conquest for the night… and if you fellas do… then you are not looking for a lady.
So good luck and happy dating!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Pick-up Lines and Why They Work ... Or Don't

"I know they say that milk does the body good, but DAMN baby, how much have you been drinking??"

"Excuse me, does this napkin smell like chloroform?"

Pick-up lines have been around forever, and there's a reason, guys sometimes need help approaching a lady. And yes I say it's for guys, because the only pick-up line a woman needs to get a guy attention usually is "Hi".

Now, there are good pick-up lines and bad ones.. ones that will get you a smile and ones that will get you a slap or a roll of the eyes followed by a cold shoulder, let's look at the bad ones first... mainly because they are more fun.

It's true, women are attracted to humor, but throwing out a sexual innuendo into your pick-up line is a bad move. Don't walk up to a lady and say something like,"Is it hot in here or is it just you?", "That shirt is pretty becoming on you, of course if I were a shirt I would be to", "Mind if I fall madly in bed with you?" or "Are your pants made out of mirrors? cause I can see myself in them". You might as well say, "Nice shoes, wanna f***?" or "How drunk are you?". At least you would be straight to the point. Women don't like to be seen as pieces of meat, a little wooing can go a long way and telling her that you lost your teddy bear and want to sleep with her is not going to do the trick. But humor will go a long way. But remember, if you are not funny.. do not attempt them.. the awkwardness will only magnify when you have to repeatedly tell her "get it?"

Always be original with your lines as well. No one wants hear one that sounds like you use it on everyone, like, "Was that an earthquake or did you just rock my world", "You eyes are the same color as my Porche" or "I may not be a genie but I can make all your dreams come true". Also don't over exaggerate if you are going to compliment, "How does it feel being the most beautiful woman in the room?", as pretty as we may feel at that moment, women always think that there is someone prettier.

The ones that work at the ones that are going to be original or sincere. Complimenting a girl on her shoes or personality or interests is bound to get you more of a chance than insinuating sex. Offer to buy her a drink or a place to sit. Just make sure that you are aware of her body language, if she is smiling at you, flipping her hair, and turning her body towards you, you are golden. On the flip side, if she is turning her back to you and trying to strike up conversations with someone else... graciously back down and find another victim.. I mean lady.

What are your favorite/ worst/ best/ funniest pick-up lines?
Here's a little song to go with this entry: 

Garfunkel and Oats: One Night Stand

Monday, May 30, 2011

Why Good Girls Go For Bad Boys; Secrets Revealed

This has got to be the most common topic that I have heard guys complain about since I entered the dating scene; "I don't get it?? why does she like him? He treats her like shit!", "I would never dream of treating her that way, yet she wants nothing to do with me! Why?" Girls always go for the douchebags, from now on I am going to be a dick to them and THEN they will like me". I have fought this and defended girls a lot, saying that it is because the bad guys have confidence.. they take the chances.. say the lines that morally good guys don't.. they have been in the game long enough and they know the things to say and do that can manipulate girls' feelings. This all may be true, but I heard something on the radio last week that made me think about things in a slightly different light.

The host had a caller who was hurt because the girl that he was with, he treated her like a princess, would bend over backwards to make her happy, and yet she kept pulling away and was trying to run and was clueless as to why. The host told him the following, that the way they girl was acting is a sign of a girl that has been in abusive relationships in the past, either emotionally or physically. That girls who have been hurt in relationships, be it in their youth or in dating sometimes get in a slump where they start thinking that kind of relationship is the norm for them. In order to get out of that mindset it takes a lot of digging deep in their feelings and seeing why they feel that way and to finally see that they deserve more than to be emotionally spit on. Some women get out of that mindset and overcome it while others don't know how to. And for girls who are continuously in relationships with those "douchebags", start to get used to it so much, so that whenever a "nice guy" comes along and tries to sweep her off feet and wine and dine her and treat her like a princess she is literally out of her comfort zone and it makes her skin crawl in fact. And the more nice the guy tries to be the more scared she is and more she pulls away. She knows that she wants that good guy to be her prince charming, but she is just not used to it.

I don't have any great advice to the men out there who are good guys, you know who you are, except be patient with us. There is a good chance that we will get over the curse of the douchebaggery and when we do you will be winning the heart of an amazing woman. And as the saying goes... the nice guy WILL finish last.

And ladies... for you, as awkward as it may feel, and out of place for a guy to treat you like a princess.. try not to think that he has ulterior motives. Don't be afraid to lose your feet in a relationship, this one might be the one that's worth it... if not.. there are TONS more fish in the sea!

Happy dating!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Dating a Friend

Initiating a romantic relationship with a close friend is a very slippery slope. It can go 1 of 3 ways; 1: It works out.. you two fall madly in love and it is the best relationship of your life, 2: You date... and later find out that you were better as friends and are content that you at least explored the notion and grow from this experience and become better chums, or 3: You date, become close on a whole 'nother level and realize that you or both find the other completely repulsive and end up hating each other and ruin what was a good friendship.
I, myself, have never dated someone who was a close friend first, not that I never tossed the idea around in my head here and there, but never acted on it. It is a scary thing. There is much more at stake than just some random Shmo that you meet online/ at the bar/ picking out apples at the store. With this one there is a friendship, and then mutual friends. It's like jumping in at the 6 date. You MAY have the small talk at 1st just to get over the initial awkwardness, but you already know each other and buttons to push and nitty gritty secrets that usually take months for new fresh relationships to pry out of your chest of confidentiality. This is not a decision to enter into lightly.. not one that can be tricked into by getting the other one drunk making out and then sinking your hooks into them like you have done with the past ones. There is one key that will make or break this one, and that is communication.
Sure communication is great and super important in any relationship, but you have to be on your A-game in the communication ring for this round. Also, don't forget to put a lot of thought into this. Don't decide to make the moves on your dream-boat confidant just because he/she is ooooh so cute, Weigh the pros and cons, is the friendship you have with this person too important to lose? will they think you are creepy for even THINKING about this possibility? Are these feelings even true? You definitely don't want to jump into this just because you are lonely and notice that this friend totally gets you but in their eyes... they get you like a sister/brother and by making the move ... now a distant cousin/ creeper.
So you say you have thought about this.. wrote down the pros and cons on getting to know this sexy piece of friend goodness and you see that this is what you want.. and you believe they are worth the risk, it's time to make your move tiger. And like a tiger you must move. Circle your prey, test the waters, throw out a hang out location where you would have a chance to talk, where the touch barrier can be broken. But be patient, like a mouse... or whatever it is that tigers prey on.. they can get spooked. You know what this person likes to talk about, and every once in a while hold a glance for a second longer, laugh and an unfunny joke, touch an arm/back/ knee (nothing TOO personal) and let it linger for a second longer. After testing these few moves you will start to see if there is an reciprocation in the feelings department. If they respond or mimic your moves you are in like Flin, if they pull back and start talking about this other person they are dating then you pull back. They are not feeling it and are trying to tell you nicely to slow your role.
And just remember, in the end, this is going to take both of you to want this, to want to risk a friendship that you have built over some time. Many great loves have started out this way but at the same time.... so have some horror stories. Good luck and happy dating

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Chatting before Meeting

Before you meet your online lover you must 1st talk to them. This is to gather more information so as to know if they are a good match or someone you should stand up. This will consist of a few emails back and forth.. maybe an exchange of digits to text here and there.. so that they can all lead up to meeting up in the future and seeing if there are sparks.
But there are topics that you might want to steer clear of to avoid miscommunication.
A little harmless messaging is perfectly acceptable, but be careful, some people WILL try to push the line so as to see if this meeting is going to end with an awkward hug or a happy ending.
And as always.. if you are looking for a "happy ending" with this random online junkie.. go for it.. but you never know what kind of diseases these people are caring, so tread lightly.
But to avoid the potential playmate here are some Do's and Don't when 1st chatting it up.
DO Tell them you dig their pics
DON'T tell them you are wondering what is under that sweatshirt they are wearing.
DO mention how long you have been single
DON'T mention how long it has been since you got laid
DO make plans to meet up
DON'T make plans to meet up at 3am
DO tell some jokes to show off your awesome witty side
DON'T tell the one that ends "knock knock, who's there? naked, naked who? Why don't you come over and let's get naked"
DO tell them you like their smile
DON'T tell them you want to see that mouth all kinds of up close and personal

Often times it is easy to get carried away when talking to someone online. The inhibitions are lowered, it becomes kind of like a game...  it's much like being drunk... taking someone home... and then having that awkward moment the next morning regretting everything you said and did the night before. Not that I know anything about that.
Just keep your wits about you. Don't say anything to these people that you have not met that you would not say to a stranger in a dark alley where there is no one around to hear you. At LEAST until you meet them in person.

Happy Dating!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Deciphering Online Profiles

In online dating sites people are naturally going to put their best foot forward to woo their potential mate. It's much like someone writing an add for a house and using a nice way of saying it's a piece of crap. Like when someone says "The house has a lived in feel", this of course means that it is run down and will need a lot of help. When the add says "In a very friendly neighborhood", this means, you have no lawn and your neighbor's house is VERY close to you, practically on top of you. So it only makes sense for people to do the same advertising for themselves online. But THANKFULLY you have me here to help you weed out and decipher what the profiles are REALLY saying.

Before you start looking you must first think about the kind of person you are wanting to find. You are either going on this site to find  a quick hook up, just friends, or a relationship. Once you know what you are after you can begin reading the profiles.

Let's start with the obvious ones first, if you are looking for someone to just hook up with, no real strings attached, you are going to want to look for people who have a line similar to this on their page, "Not looking for anything serious". That is always a big give away. They are not looking for anything serious, and believe this. If you see this page and you think "that is a good looking person, I would love to get into a relationship with that one", if they say "nothing serious"... they mean it. They are not at the point to jump into a relationship. So it is best to go into this one not expecting anything. As long as the boundaries are set.. this will work out for both of you! That is until one of you finds someone you want to date, then you must split ways, because honestly, no real relationships can blossom from a booty call.

"Not looking for any drama, no mind games" This phrase means that they just got out of a relationship where someone did JUST this to them. Tread lightly with this one, if at all. There is a chance that you will be walking on egg shells until there is a trust. They may just not be ready for a relationship at this time and are jumping into the dating scene too early. Either way.. keep your wits about you.
At the same time, be careful when someone is too wistful. For example, if they talk about "loving to cuddle, wanting to find that one magical person to complete their lives"... they may also not be ready to get into a relationship. It is not ok for someone to go into a relationship thinking that they need that other person to 'complete' them. This usually comes from someone who is insecure and will try to move really fast and will eventually smother you so that one day when they want to take you to Enchanted Rock you break down and tell them that you can't do this anymore, that you got too freaked out when they tried to tell you that they loved you after you bought them a burger.. as an example

Now if you are looking for someone to start a relationship with, and you are venturing into the online world to find that someone there are phrases that you should look for. Look for someone who says, "let's see where things go, just get to know each other". These are the stable people who are ready for a relationship. Not saying that it will work out. But you have the best chance with these people. But just a fair warning... This group is few and far between.
The majority of people on the online sites are going to fall into the first 2 categories. You are going to have to weed through a lot... and I mean A LOT of bad seeds before you find a decent candidate.. if that is in fact what you are looking for.

Happy dating!