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I had no need to revisit the rule book on dating since I will be married for 10 years this July but after visiting with some younger friends and family members I realized that there is definitely a need for either a revision of the “Dating Rule Book” or at least a study session for those that are unclear what the rules are. Keep in mind that I don’t really believe there are rules that we have to stick to but there should be guidelines that can be followed under certain circumstances. After all isn’t that why it’s so hard to date?

I don’t remember those good old days, nor do I want to relive them, all of the uncertainty and waiting and over-analyzing one does while dating someone they really like.  Who needs or wants that stress? Well, those looking for the right person!

While giving dating advice to friends the one thing that I noticed happening over and over again was what one should do if they actually want to go on on date, someone my age or older might think this is silly since it’s obvious that women want to be taken out and wined and dined, which by the way doesn’t mean that a lot of money needs to be spent on the other dater, but just that there is break in the normalcy of life. We want to feel special, taking someone to a movie they really wanted to see or to their favorite restaurant should always be in the cards. What happens when hanging at home becomes the new dating?

Isn’t that what seems to be happening? If you meet someone in a bar and all they want to do is meet you out at a bar wouldn’t that be cause for concern? Also getting into a routine of hanging out at one or the others house and watch movies or eat is also another red flag.

But the question is… how do you break the cycle? Do you simply say ” Hey, I’m really hungry?” and expect them to take the hint and get up off the couch to take you out?

What is the new dating etiquette? and… WHO wrote the rules?

Let’s admit that the rules have changed some in this day and age and figure out what the guidelines are so we can follow them. I would like to know what to tell my friends when they come asking for advice!