Do's and Don'ts of Dating

I often get asked what are some things that a woman should and should not do on a date, so I decided to put this article together to give some general information. This applies to all women of any age!

Dating can be mind boggling. Should you or should you not do this or that, why or why not? The key to having a successful date is to be prepared for anything.

Most women do not think that anything could happen on a date, but you never know in today's world. Advance preparation is key.

Some things you need to prepare for your date you will naturally think of like what to wear, how to do your hair or makeup. But don't go into a date clueless.

First Step: Getting yourself ready physically and mentally.

Dating has changed over the years, so if you do not feel comfortable having the guy pick you up, then suggest you meet in a public place. Especially if he is someone you truly don't know or have met on the internet. Playing it safe could save your life.

Here is a story that happened to me. I was set up on a blind date by a very expensive dating service, they suggested this person met all my specifications. You know what they say about if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Well that was for sure in this case. The date and the guy turned out to be a nightmare. And for the next several months I was stalked, harassed and threatened. To make a long story short. Be careful no matter what. Don't give out any personal information (which I didn't but he somehow got a hold of it, like work place, private home #, etc).

Once you are physically ready for your date, showered, makeup done, etc. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and who you will be with. Give them his phone number and name. If you decided during the date to go elsewhere then make a quick call or text to someone where you are heading next.

Step Two: Simplify

Do not forget to over look simple etiquette. The man should ALWAYS open doors for the women and if he asked you out, then he should pay unless previously agreed. (note: do not previously agree to pay, it's not a date if you do.) Remember to allow the man to be a man! Don't take that away from him. But also remember that just because he is paying, you don't owe him anything, especially sex!

Do's

Know the do's and dont's of the man. He should show up on time for the date, he should at least look like he has taken time to clean up.

His car should be clean inside and out.

He should open all doors, even if you have to sit and wait, WAIT! He will figure it out. It's called demanding respect.

He should pull out chairs for you too.

He should not take you to a place where you will be uncomfortable.

He should be considerate. Ex: if his date is cold then he should offer her his jacket, etc.

He should call after the date, even if he wasn't interested, at least have the guts to pick up the phone and tell the woman. So many guys don't do this and they wonder why we think they are idiots or jerks! Have some common courtesy!

He should walk on the outside of the sidewalk and take the lead going down stairs, it is courteous and protects your date from falling.

Don'ts for women

Don't whine or complain to your date or the restaurant server about anything, even if your food is cold, wrong. Just suck it up and enjoy it.

Don't order the most expensive item on the menu, unless your paying and if your paying, it's NOT A DATE!

Don't talk about your ex-boyfriend or ex-husband or compare your date to any other guy!

Don't compete with him or point out his faults.

Don't mess with your hair in public

Don't put down his car.

Don't ask him to take you shopping or to sit outside the dressing room while you try on clothes.

Guys Don'ts

Don't use a coupon for dinner.

Don't walk out of a restaurant without paying the bill or without leaving a decent tip.

Don't compare her to your ex-girlfriend or ex-wife or even deceased wife.

Don't belch, fart or scratch yourself openly in public.

Don't kiss her good-bye without her permission.

Don't expect sex in return for any reason, ever!

Do's and Don'ts for both:

Don't be late.

Don't pretend to be something your not.

Don't talk about your ex's

Don't order foods that are awkward to eat.

Don't interrupt your date when he/she is talking.

Don't drink alcohol or use drugs.

Don't talk nonstop about yourself.

Don't call or email repeatedly during the date to others, don't after the date to your date, if he/she doesn't reply after a couple attempts, leave it alone.

Don't talk on your cell phone while on a date, turn it to vibrate or silent.

Don't treat your date second rate, even if you already know there's no chance of a second date.

Tomorrow's article will be "How far is too far"

Don't forget to send me your questions and to subscribe to this column to see your questions answered.

Till next time,

Jennifer