Erin's top 5 Do's in Dating

So I promised I would follow through with the Do's list since I already covered Don'ts. I am always happy to hear what you would suggest as well, so feel free to post your Do's.

1. Do pick up and use the device called a PHONE to ask for a date

I think it is funny how some people can meet, text, set up a date via text and go on a first date without even speaking to each other ahead of time. And we wonder why human communication in relationships has declined. Look, it's just as nerve racking as it was 50 years ago to ask someone out, but be an adult and pick up the phone and call, you're going to have to eventually speak to the person anyway, might as well get a head start. Besides, I think it's hot when a guy calls to ask for a date. Even hotter when they call because they want to get to know you better. This goes for ladies and gentlemen.

2. Do make sure you are honest from the beginning

Probably a good idea to mention if you are still dating someone else, or let's say still married or even better, have a warrant out for your arrest... ha you think I'm kidding on that last one. Many of you will think this is a given, but I have heard lots of stories and have had experiences myself regarding this. I don't think it's necessary to divulge all details of your life in one or two sittings but be upfront with who you are, let the person make a decision based on the truth, you never know what will happen, but you can be guaranteed what will happen if you lie.

3. Do be respectful from the beginning

I think this is a huge thing. In this current dating culture, we seem to no longer have respect in dating. This goes both ways. As women, we need to be respectful that a guy has had the courage to ask us out, we should respond in a timely manner, whether it's a yes or no. I have been guilty of this myself, so lesson is being learned here too. I also think that guys should stop freaking out so much about going on a date with a girl over "hanging out." RELAX, YOU DON'T NOT HAVE TO MARRY ANYONE YOU DON'T WANT TO!! It shows much more respect when you take the time to call and to make the other person feel like you want to spend time with them. We have screwed up the way dating should be and we wonder why we all hate it so much.

4. Do follow through

I think we can all agree that things happen and our lives are busy, there are lots of single parents and well life gets away from us sometimes, but if you say you are going to call, CALL, if you can't call, say you can't call or don't say you will call in the first place if you know you really won't call. NO ONE has you strapped to an electric calling chair!! It's not going to kill you to call. My biggest follow through issue is those that say they want to take me out, but never actually follow through, I'd prefer you never mention it to me in this first place, if you have no plans to follow through. When your ready, get the number and then follow through. Just a thought folks.

5. Do commit to something good

I'm sure,for some, bamboo shoved underneath your fingernails sounds more enticing then the thought of having to commit to someone. Let me clarify, I think you should commit to something good. It may be for a short time but if two people like each other and enjoy spending time with one another, why screw it up and throw half a dozen other people into the mix, or worse, end it because your freaked out that there could be someone else, out there, who has 2 more things in common with you and you need to give them a chance. We are so afraid of hurting someone else's feelings but we hurt them more by draggging them through the "dating" pool. I'm not saying commit to everyone and it's o.k. to just date, but if you meet someone you think is great, be o.k. with focusing on each other a little longer, you may find that they are just what you needed and wanted. If you realize that you don't see a future with the other person, tell them, but give something good, a chance first. Remember, YOU DON'T HAVE TO MARRY ANYONE YOU DON'T WANT TO.


And because it's Super Bowl Sunday:

A young man was very excited because he just won a ticket to the Super Bowl. His excitement lessened as he realized his seat was in the back of the stadium. As he searched the rows ahead of him for a better seat, he found an empty one right next to the field.
He approached the man sitting next to the empty seat and asked if it was taken.
The man replied, "No."

Amazed the young man asked, "How could someone pass up a seat like this?"
The older gentleman responded, "That's my wife's seat. We've been to every Super Bowl together since the day we were married but she has passed away."
"Oh, how sad," the man said. "I'm sorry to hear that, but couldn't you find a friend or relative to come with you?"

"No," the man said, "They're all at the funeral."