Dating Don'ts to Ditch
Everyone is a dating expert. There seems to be an endless list of do's and don'ts that supposedly lead to better dating
and increase your chances of finding a relationship. And, then there are "the rules" - the age-old myths that
are the absolute don'ts. Our advice - make your own rules and throw out the playbook. If you're itching to date a friend's
ex-summer-fling or find the hottie in accounting irresistible, there's a different way to approach these classic "don'ts".
So if you've been itching to take out a friend's summer fling he hasn't talked about if five years or if that stud down in
accounting really caught your eye, fear not-they're no longer off limits. Plus we have a few more tricks up our sleeves that
might surprise you.
THE PERSON WHO ASKS FOR THE DATE PAYS.
Your parents and grandparents created these rules. The guy doesn't always have to pay. Times have changed. The days of Lucy and
Ricky, and Leave It To Beaver are a welcome thing of the past. If someone asks you out on a date, we're all for them paying. But
don't expect it. Equal pay. Equal rights. You have equal capability to pay your way on a date. A lot of guys insist on paying for
everything because they're programmed to feel like they should. And they usually attract high maintenance gold-diggers and end up
in costly divorce cases. It gets old fast. Our modern approach: whip out your credit card when he's not looking or insist on
paying your own way. If he does pay, let him know you'll pick up the tab next time. It's a good way to ensure another date. That
is, if you want one.
THE THREE-DAY RULE.
Waiting three days to call someone to tell them you had an amazing time is one of the most misdirected rules ever created. If you
had a great time, you know you want to call the next day. So, just do it. But don't over do it. If you get voicemail, leave a message
and say you're looking forward to seeing them again. Don't call back every 15 minutes until you reach them in person. There's a big
difference between excited and desperate.
FRIENDS EXES ARE OFF LIMITS.
This can be a tough one to maneuver. Many friends have unspoken rules that it's not ok to date one of their exes. The friendship is
always more important? Right? If a friend went on a few casual dates with someone, and you happen to run into them, and there's
chemistry - what do you do? Ask your friend if it's ok to ask them out. A good friend wants you to be happy, and they usually won't
stand in your way. If they say no, then you're on your own. What's more important - the date or the friendship?
CO WORKERS ARE A NO-NO TOO.
Also known as "Don't #*&! Where You Eat." Co-workers are the people you spend most of your life with. Tight deadlines.
Close quarters. Late nights. You get to know a lot about a person. And that's what leads to the office romance. A few rules should
remain hard and fast, though. If you're the employer, never, ever date an employee. It's a bad situation just waiting to happen.
However, if you've got a thing for someone in accounting and the only time you see him or her is when they drop off your paycheck,
why not date them? Some companies enforce strict no dating policies, forcing employees to keep their relationships behind closed
doors. If you're meant to meet "the one" at work there isn't much you can do about it. Many happy romances have started
in the workplace.
WAIT A FEW DATES BEFORE IT GIVING UP.
You're an adult. Make your own decisions. If it feels right on the first date, and the chemistry is there - go for it. It will be a
night to remember. Hopefully.
HIDE FROM THE PARENTS UNTIL IT'S FOR REAL.
Meeting the parents is a tricky subject. Some people wait until they're almost down the aisle before introducing the parents to their
other half. It's understandable to want to be certain that you have a long-term relationship before the introduction, but why torture
yourself for months over whether mom and dad are going to approve of your new relationship? Make the introductions, have a family meal
and get on with your relationship.
NEVER BE THE FIRST TO SAY, "I LOVE YOU."
Just say what you feel, when you want to say it. You're likely to hear, "I love you, too." As long as you don't say it on
the second date you're doing ok.
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