The Dating Game

Dating. It's really a game for the most part isn't it? It's like trying on clothes to see what fits. Or choosing the right plants for your home. I look horrible in skinny jeans, but pretty good in a comfortable pair of painter's pants. I'm an orchid as far as plants go. Overly sensitive, easily gets my feelings hurt. I wish I were more like a cactus. But, all in all, I can't help but think that there are some rules that should be universal. Think of this as a bucket list of dating. We always think, "Hey, if there were just a manual about guys/girls. Life would be simpler." This isn't my complete manual, but it's a good start. I think everyone should put a manual about themselves, or in some cases a warning label, right out there for people. It would make the guessing part of relationships a lot easier.

DO (we'll start with the good stuff):

1. Make me laugh
2. Listen to me
3. Talk to me-really talk to me-about anything
4. Be passionate about something-school, sports, books, music, video games, anything, just give your all to something
5. Be yourself. Completely. You don't have to put on an act with me. Ever.
6. Eat with me
7. Hold my hand
8. Trust me
9. Call, write me a letter or email or something at least more than once a week
10. Be my friend

See how easy that is? Some people require more, but it's basic. Do what you would want them to do. And if you don't want to do the basics, then you probably shouldn't be dating yet.

DON'T (now the not so good stuff, but helpful none the less)

1. Don't have a crush on someone else when we're dating. I don't care who she is.
2. Don't ask other girls for their phone numbers.
3. Don't talk about your exes. Even to say unkind things. That lets me know that one day, you'll do that about me, too.
4. Don't call me once a week and tell me you forgot to call me and that you have to cancel our plans.
5. Don't berate me for political or religious (or lack there of) ideologies. Chances are I think yours are stupid, too, but I wouldn't say that to you.
6. Don't tell me that you don't know why you haven't called, but you've certainly had time to do so.
7. If you hear some gossip about me, ask a friend or something. Ask my parents. Don't ask me. Don't assume it's true and ask me "Why would so-and-so lie?" I don't really know. Maybe they're misinformed or opening their mouths to talk about something when they don't have their facts correct. My question is, "Why would you doubt me?"
8. Don't get mad when I kick your butt at video games. I've been doing this a while and yes, I'm that good.
9. Don't hurt my feelings because you're insecure.
10. In our world "Not calling = Not caring". I know that some girls call guys and it's acceptable nowadays. Not this girl. I was raised that calling boys is trashy. There are exceptions. A few.

See, that's easy, too! It's a general list, but I think a decent, handy one.

For me, there are extras: take me to a museum; tell me about bands you like-I love music of most any kind; read to me or talk about books with me; be a gentleman-I don't think that opening doors and pulling out chairs is antiquated or chauvinistic; tell me I smell nice. Failure to do these things will result in the 'reset' button being pushed and game will be over.