kristen's dating advice

today we discussed dating in our sunday meetings and kristen was reminded of her dating soap-box so here you are - kristen's dating do's and don't's

- call a girl to ask her out. none of this texting stuff. none of this call once or twice and then text all the details. just man up and call.

- if you do have a chance to ask her in person, don't ask her out in a very public situation - we don't like being put on the spot like that

- first dates are for getting-to-know-you questions, not first phone calls. keep the first call short and sweet, it keeps her interested.

- be a man. make a decision. make a plan for the evening. we want to know that you can come up with a plan for an evening out not just be a pleaser. asking, "what do you want to do now?" never puts you on track for a second date. with meals, chose a restaurant and go there. we don't want to make that decision for you; we don't know how much you want to spend, and again, we want to see your decision-making skills. if you're really worried about a restaurant you have some options 1) ask her what kind of food she likes when you CALL her to ask her out 2) provide her with two or three options (we still don't like making that decision, but at least you're giving some parameters).

- give her an idea of the activity you have planned. i know you don't want to give away the surprise, but we just want to know what to wear. a lot of thought goes into that first date outfit and we'd hate to show up in a skirt to go ice-blocking.

- be a gentleman. open her door, let her order first. don't call her dude. chivalry is not dead.

- don't make the date last all night long. we don't need you to keep us out for 6 hours to impress us. I've had some 2 hours dates that are a heck of a lot better than the marathon dates. I'd save the marathon dates until you know she's into you. once we like you, spending all that time together is not so bad. however, it can be a nightmare (for you too) if we know we're never going out with you again.

- walk her to her door at the end of the evening. even if you're never going to go out again, be a gentleman.

- don't text her too much (if at all) between the first few dates - again, it takes away from the mystery

- just be yourself, we can usually see through the act

- if you do get turned down (it happens) don't act totally dejected about it and make spiteful comments - if there was a possibility for a second chance you just lost it. take it graciously.


now, there are exceptions to be made, however, I wouldn't bet on getting one of them.