Dating as it should be

Here on some of my thoughts on the one thing that should be fun but can be a drag.

And these are in no particular order and will be added to from time to time. And this isn't addressed to one sex or the other unless specified

1. Have confidence - no one is out of your league, and leagues only exist in your mind
2. Respectfully decline - don't beat around the bush and make up stories why you can't go; just say "no thank you"
3. Don't expect me to do all the work. "Guys like to chase" isn't universal. Pick up your phone and use it
4. Communicate with the date rather than your friends about what your date was thinking.
4a. Girls, don't go to girls and ask advice about guys. Guys, likewise about girls. If you do, you'll get the wrong message most of the time.
5. If you're tired of "the game", you should stop playing the game and start dating like a respectful adult
6. Don't blame the other sex. Instead, look in the mirror and fix what you have control over. Accept the rest and move on
7. Women - demand chivalry. Let men open doors for you at the very least. Communicate that you expect to be treated like a lady. We'll eventually figure it out
8. A text asking "what are you up to?" is the most lame way to ask someone out. Grow some and place the call.
9. If you're still looking for greener grass, your glasses just might be foggy and need some cleaning
10. None of us are looking for a perfected being - we're looking for someone perfect for us. BIG difference in the two
11. If you can't be friends with someone that you dated, you probably still have a lesson to learn
12. Guys - get the girl's permission to have her phone number if you're trying to get it from friend of hers
13. Dating should be fun - but if it isn't going anywhere, get off the merry-go-round and try the see-saw or the monkey bars
14. If you don't always want a 2nd date with every person you take out, don't take it to heart if someone doesn't want a 2nd date with you. Be grateful they saved you the time & money!
15. Kissing means different things to different people.
16. A date means different things to different people. I personally tell my date that it is a date they are being invited to so they aren't wondering if we're hanging out.
17. If you're in my car, you can play whatever you like on my radio - except country. There is no exception to this rule. Deal with it.
18. When it comes to physical self control, BOTH parties need to be the stronger one. It is not the woman's job to keep the guy at bay. It's the guy's job to keep the guy at bay, and vice versa.
19. People are usually funnier dates when they are tired
20. Don't pass gas after you let the woman in the car, thinking it will dissipate as you walk around the back of the car. It follows you inside
21. No matter how the evening/date turned out, be grateful and gracious
22. Don't text and make calls during the date. Are we that rude these days? You can do without it for a couple hours, I promise
23. Guys - you can get the score of the game later. It's your fault for asking her out when your big game was on. Don't keep checking your iPhone
24. Bathe, use deodorant and brush your teeth. Before the date.
25. Guys, try to let the girl know what kind of shoes/clothes might be needed for the activity. If you're going to go on a short walk or hike, you might consider letting her know so she doesn't wear heels.
26. If you take someone out with kids, realize they are paying for a babysitter
27. Don't post anything on FB during your date. Seriously rude and not necessary. (thanks Todd)
28. Use gum
29. Don't ask someone where they went to high school. Live in the present, Uncle Rico
30. You SHOULD know all this stuff already, but usually, "friends" give the worst dating advice