Men and Dating - Series 1 Episode 2

Being a Gentleman -

It has come to my attention recently that one of my friends has never been on a date where the guy has paid for her. Either they've paid for themselves or she's paid for both. WHAT?!? This is just not acceptable. Guys like that are NOT men. They are boys who don't know much about dating and treating a girl right, in my opinion.

First - Paying for the date. Seriously, guys. That is one that doesn't seem like such a big deal if you do it, but if you don't pay for her date, she will remember it and think of you negatively. My friend certainly didn't really appreciate going on dates where the guy expected her to pay. This one is a necessity if you want to be in her good graces.

Second - Open the doors for her. I had this one boyfriend who opened the doors for me when we first met and started dating. I thought it was so sweet of him and it was one reason I started dating him. After we'd been dating for about a month, he told me it was too much of a hassle to keep opening my doors. From then on, he only opened my doors on special occasions like my birthday or our one-year dating anniversary. When he told me he wouldn't open my doors for me anymore, I was so disappointed. However, then I met someone who wouldn't let me get out unless he opened the door for me. Even though we are just friends (but best friends, mind you), it has become a very enjoyable game between us to see if I remember to let him open the door for me. Just about the only door he lets me open is the door to my home because he "wants to respect the fact that it's my home and he's a guest". This one is another necessity for dates.

Third - Walk between her and the street. I have rarely had anyone do this for me. In fact, it's only my best friend who has ever done it for me. However, I really appreciated that. If a guy I was dating had done that for me, he most certainly would have won brownie points. (And with me, brownie points can be redeemed for food...) This one isn't a necessity, per se, but it definitely helps a guy stand out in a girl's mind.

Fourth - Hold out her chair for her. I don't think anyone has ever done this for me but it would be SO sweet of a guy to do it. It would be ridiculous in certain places, like Arby's, but at home or at a restaurant, I think it would be quite nice. Holding out her chair isn't a necessity but it is another thing that will help a guy stand out from other guys.

Fifth - Talk like a gentleman. Don't swear or talk about crude things. Be gracious. Compliment her. I had one boyfriend (the same one who refused to open doors after we'd been dating a while) who quit swearing around me when we started dating and kept his innuendos to himself. After we'd been dating for a few months though, he started swearing around me and making all sorts of crude jokes. It was embarrassing! I'd already been dating him for a while though so I didn't break up with him over that. This one is a necessity in my opinion. I will not date someone who swears or makes me feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

I think that's it for today. Be a gentleman, guys! Girls always appreciate that and they tell their girlfriends and word gets around quickly. A girl is often willing to go on a date with a guy even if all she knows is that he has a reputation for being a gentleman.

~Rose