Dating DOs & DON'Ts

So a lot of people kinda SUCK at dating and what appears to be common sense for some is not so common for others. Here are some dating do’s and don’ts that we’ve compiled to help you along the way.

Do Pick Up The Phone

Texting can be quick and easy, but so many things can get lost in translation and misinterpreted. Don’t rely on texting to be your primary or only means of communication and don’t ask someone out, especially on a first date, via text. Pick up the phone.
Do Plan The Date

If you ask someone on a date, especially a first date, plan the date. Don’t wing it and don’t invite someone to your home or “to chill” on a first date. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but have a plan outside of the home that taps into something that the both of you will enjoy. Having a plan shows that you are interested and putting forth an effort which is a HUGE turn on. It’s ok to wing it every once in a while, but we recommend having a plan more often than not.
Do Be On Time

The two of you agreed on a time that worked for the both of you, so be mindful of that and prepare yourself to be there as scheduled. Tardiness can be a total buzzkill and you don’t want to start off the date on the wrong foot.
Do Keep The Lines Of Communication Open

Although sh*t happens and extenuating circumstances such as a major traffic incident, family emergency, etc. may cause you to be late or to have to cancel, be sure to communicate that to your date as SOON as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your date aware of these changes. If the date was scheduled for 6pm, calling your date at 6:30pm to make them aware of major changes or tardiness is probably not going to go over well. You knew at 5:30pm that you weren’t going to make it on time, so communicate that and save yourself the potential headache of a having pissed off date.
Do Make It Up Right Away

As we said before, sh*t happens and there may be some instances, to your date’s chagrin, that you will have to cancel…perhaps you have to work late or you cannot find sitter. Don’t cancel via text. Instead, pick up the phone and call your date. Understand that your date will probably be upset and rightfully so – I mean they were looking forward to seeing you and set time aside in their schedule to be with you – but don’t let their disappointment linger. Make it up QUICKLY by establishing and executing a plan B that is equal to or greater than the date that you cancelled.
Do Pay For The Date

If you invite someone on a first date, pay for the date. Don’t ask to split the check. That should NOT even be an option on a first date, especially if you want to have date number two. Going “Dutch” is tacky.
Do Mind Your Manners

I hate to even have to include this, but be respectful of your date and conduct yourself accordingly. In other words, act like you have some damn sense. Don’t chew with your mouth open or be obnoxiously loud. Be kind to the server and/or service staff and please by all means do NOT eat from your date’s plate uninvited [unless you want to die or get stabbed lol]. Be a lady/gentleman.
Do Focus On Your Date

It’s very important to be present while on your date. This includes actively engaging in conversation, making eye contact, and, most importantly, putting your cell phone away. The texts, emails, and phone calls can be put on hold for an hour or two so that you can focus on your date. Ignore calls/texts and not your date.
Do Have Something To Talk About
Ideally, conversations will flow on a date, but always have something (non-confrontational) in your back pocket to discuss. Don’t monopolize the conversation and minimize all conversations about your ex because nobody wants to hear that sh*t. Also don’t name drop or boast about how much money you have/make because, again, nobody (of substance) wants to hear that sh*t.
Do Look Presentable

This is a date…I repeat, THIS IS A DATE, so look the part and put your best face forward. Shave, trim, primp, press, iron, bathe, brush, comb, contour, etc. to showcase your best you. Don’t show up looking like who done it and why.
Do Say Thank You

When all is said and done (even if you don’t feel a connection), thank the person for the date. They could’ve been anywhere in the world, but they decided to be with you, so show some gratitude.