Dating Etiquette for Women: How to Attract and Keep a Mate

Whether you're simply looking for a date, a long term committment or just a member of the opposite sex to spend quality time with here's a few tips from a creative romantic type. The first mistake many women make is stereo typing men in general. I've heard women run the entire male population down while admitting they'd like to find "someone". Men tend to be more perceptive than we may give them credit for. When a woman has a positive outlook on the male gender and on life in general this opptimistic attitude will shine through during conversation.
Remember to smile when a man of interest crosses your path and abstain from making public statements which may come across as male bashing.

Always be a lady. Reguardless of the atmosphere or how other women around you are behaving, it's important to maintain a reasonable degree of self control, especially when in the company of a man you may want to invite home to meet mom or the other way around.There's always the possibility when in the company of a stranger that he could get the wrong impression or maybe he's a madd man undercover. He could make unfair assumptions about you as well as you could about him. Men notice a certain sweetness in women who say please and thank you. Most of all keep your clothes on in public. This should go without saying, but I once went out with a girlfriend who practically stripped on the dance floor at a country bar. This may be fine if you're looking for a one night stand, but even then you're likely to increase your chances of "catching something" from a man who would actually pick up a half naked woman. A platonic male friend of mine recently told me he declined when a beautiful woman bluntly ask him to bed. We both agreed he wouldn't be safe with someone who'd react this way with someone she'd just met. If you've just had it with being lonely, please take some time to focus on one person who is perhaps a bit shy and laid back even if you have to introduce yourself to him. Remember, there is more than one way to release an urge [some safer than others.} Refrain from cussing and inappropriate topics even if he's all guts. You don't want to lead him on. Raunchy isn't necessary even if you're interested in more than a good-night kiss. He's the only one who needs to know your intentions anyway and there are plenty of suitable ways to convey your message such as, "I'd like to get know you better too."

Although, being a lady or at least appearing to be one is vital to your safety and reputation , appearing prude may not be the best strategy either. Anytime a single man meets a single woman he finds attractive who shows interest in him he knows instantly that at some point either now or later the relationship may become physical or at least he probably prefers that it will. If you think that you may want to find yourself cuddled up in his arms all evening sometime, even if that time hasn't yet arrived, coming across as stand offish will only stifle his advances. This is where obtaining a sense of balance comes into play. Though you want to make it clear what you do and don't want, there's no harm in a single woman engaging in a little flirting. So, how does a lady flirt? Don't be afraid to give and recieve appropriate compliments. We all know there's a difference between a first kiss, a "friendly peck" and a lover's kiss.Instinct coupled with common sense will lead the way. If you're not sure how he'd feel in your arms, the only way to find out is to be in his arms. Men may be known as the tougher sex, but inside where it counts, most men long for an affectionate mate. You have every right to determine how close is too close. Just be careful not to put him off if what you really want is to turn him on. Also, if you're attracted to him don't call him a pervert for thinking what you were thinking. Nowadays, calling someone a pervert isn't a casual joke. If he's truly a weirdo turn him loose. Otherwise, he's just telling it like it is in his mind. There are gentler ways to let him know he's going too fast though you need to be firm. Remember ladies; balance.

A man and a woman may have many things in common. Ego, in my opinion, is often one of them. I've known women who were rather rough with men. Mutual teasing and playful wrestling are acceptable when both parties agree. However, constant nagging and unwanted "jerking around" are not. A woman who goes around punching anyone in the arm just for the "fun" of it is only expressing insecurity and building walls between themselves and others. There's a woman who hangs out at an establishment I frequent. She slaps rather than pats my back everytime we meet.. This makes her seem boyish, immature and insensitive. One can only hope she doesn't do this in the company of men. Ouch. This sort of interaction should end in junior high school. Sadly, some women and men carry it on into adulthood. People go to many lengths in order to protect their egos. In a relationship between mature men and women the other person's ego should be more important than one's own. This is not to say that you should allow someone to belittle you. Just be aware that men tend to maintain a relationship with women who build them up instid of knocking them down. The same is true of women. His self esteem shouldn't require constant emotional grooming either. When a reasonably secure man reveals an insecurity, he's letting you know he needs a gentle boost. This exchange of caring is what we do for each other in an ideal bond between two people. Treat him with the same respect you expect from him. Encourage his dreams and ambitions. Stand in his corner when he's being hassled. Listen to him talk about his day and don't interrupt. Restrict yourself from overt jealousy unless there's intelligent evidence against him. If you can't do that you're not ready for intimacy.

With all of the above said, good luck in life and love. The way we act does determine how and who we are loved by. Granted society goes through changes, respect is a constant dividend today just as it was a hundred years ago. Dating etiquette lives on. Concern for human feeling, equality, pacing yourself and communication fit every generation.