In this brave new world, the modern man needs a dating rule book. The time seems long gone when a man was expected to open the door, pull out the chairs, and pay the bill. Now it seems like women run everything, and when you try to contribute, they yell at you out of the conversation. Don’t worry, because now comes the new dating rule book for 2010.

make date

A date is a mutually agreed upon meeting between the two of you. They both agree, but the dating rule book says you have to. Simply because you are a man and you have to expose yourself. All women are a bit self-aware and don’t risk rejection, you have to ask her. Don’t be alarmed and ask, you’ve usually been given a verbal cue earlier in the conversation that a date would be a good idea.

Puntuality

You’re a man dating a woman, you have to be there on time to pick her up, and she doesn’t have to be there on time to be picked up. Is she a double standard? Yes. The dating rule book is clear, you need to be there on time, which means at least 10 minutes early.

The board

Pay the full tab. Going dutch and letting the woman pay is not in this dating rule book. As a man, you made the appointment and now you will pay. No tip calculations or awkward silences needed. Pick up your bill payment with a smile, accept the compliment, and be on your way. Remember to tip 10-15%, I always go 10 unless the service is great (servers bounce to get your every wish) or I’m a repeat customer. Easy way to calculate 10%: take the first number on your bill and add another dollar (for example $20 on the bill, pay $3), keep this in mind because nothing is more embarrassing than using a tip calculator, you’ll even be ashamed of yourself.

Kiss on the first date

You go back to her house to drop her off after a good meal. They both had a great time and then…

Well then you have two options, go for the first date kiss or do something awkward and get the hell out of there. The dating rule book says you’re not going for this kiss, she is. Your best bet is to move closer to your body (take a step towards her, if you look at her feet place your toes just inside the insole of her shoes), this puts you in the perfect position for one of two things, a hug or a goodnight kiss.

This is the dating rulebook for 2010. These methods are tried and true for eons. Ignore them at your peril, practice them with caution, and if the best plans go awry, improvise on them.