Sure, good manners and chivalry will never go out of style—but that doesn’t mean we need to subscribe to the same dating rules our parents did. The dating world revolves around making the right proactive choices — and this means that if you’re ready for a monogamous relationship, you have to be clear about your goals, both to yourself and prospective partners. Dating rules that are unwritten but still widely used:
- Finding a perfect match is a project and requires time and energy. If what you want is a long-term relationship, approach it with your goals in mind. Start out by knowing that you are in control of the process.
- If you’re looking online, do your profile with a friend — this will help you lighten up. Be funny, short and concise, and don’t sound too cutesy. A photo that shows you actively pursuing an interest is good because it offers information without being wordy.
- Scan profiles selectively. Pick out three or four guys and signal your interest. If someone shows an interest in your profile, remember that you are not obligated to respond unless you want to.
- With several prospects, start an email exchange. But limit your emails to no more than two or three before suggesting a face-to-face meeting. Anyone who wants to prolong emailing is not interested in a relationship.
- Arrange a coffee or drink at a convenient location. Talk about things you like to do, your job, college stories or recent experiences.
- Pay attention to whether there is a good balance in the conversation. Does he dominate? Are you finding common interests? Avoid talking about your or his problems. Do not give advice even if he is begging for it; this is a bad way to start.
- On first dates, make sure you have other plans afterward and keep them, regardless of how things are going. If you’re underwhelmed with this person, you will have a good escape route. If you are having a great time and don’t want to leave, stick to your previous plan.
- Offer to split the check. Nowadays, single, college-educated women under the age of 30 are often making more money than men. So don’t stand on ceremony waiting for him to pay.
- Wait to see if he initiates an email or text. If he doesn’t, cross him off your list. He’s not interested or available. Start over.
- After you’ve met, beware of texts that arrive at odd times and are friendly but unaccompanied by a suggestion of a date. These are false positives because they suggest more intimacy than is real. Don’t be taken in. Respond only if you have seen him in person within the last week.
Postscript: If you start seeing someone on a fairly regular basis, realize that you are only beginning a relationship. Go slowly. Get to know him. See whether he is consistent, reliable and respectful. If you are sleeping exclusively with him and are beginning to take him seriously, consider discussing whether he is interested in having a monogamous relationship. If he balks, start over! Those are dating rules you need to follow if you want a serious relationship.
