DO's and DON'Ts

I am no expert when it comes to the rules of dating. My opinion on this subject are based solely on my own experiences and of course may not be the universal thoughts of "all the single ladies" (shout out to Beyonce). HOWEVER, in the past three years, I have gone on more first dates than I'd like to admit and though these experiences I have come up with a short DO'S and DON'Ts list. This is a DO'S and DON'Ts list for all the single men (maybe Jay-Z can write a song for these guy, right?). Please while you are reading, remember I'm no dating PH.d, though I play one in my day dreams!

1. On the first date (maybe even the second) men should pay the bill. If he doesn't, he's not that into you or he's super cheap and honey you don't want to deal with that in the long run anyway. If he pays with a gift card, leave right away!

2. On any date specifically at a sports bar with huge televisions, men (who love sports) should respectfully set with their backs to the screens. We know they want to watch and when they make an effort not to it's very sweet. By the way, if a guy chooses to set facing the TV and never ever looks at you well sister, it's only going to be worse when he actually knows you and face it, he has eye contact issues.

3. First impressions are incredibly important especially with online daters. For this reason, a guy should smile or at least look pleasant throughout the duration of the date. If they don't truth is, he either thinks you aren't attractive or are boring (that's harsh but true) or he's super nervous. Hopefully, it's the nervous thing but seriously, do you really want a guy whose response to nervousness is to be Mr. Grumpy Pants?

4. Texting is not an option for setting up a date EVER! It's acceptable for a man to text after a date to say they had a good time or just to wish someone a nice day but NEVER EVER should texting be used to set up a date or to have a conversation. This is a sure sign that he has communication problems. He needs to man up those fingers of his and use them to dial your number not a message.

5. Men should never wear their invisiline retainer to a first date. If they do wear the retainer to the date and you are having loads of trouble understanding their mumbled almost slobbery words, please feel free to let them know kindly that they are hard to understand. Now, at this point hopefully, they will politely excuse themselves and remove it in the bathroom. If that's not the case and they make a first attempt to remove the item from their mouth at the table, please stay calm, maybe give them a concerned look and nod towards the men's room. Hopefully, they will pick up on this signal. If they don't, I'm not sure what to tell ya!

So here is a short Sarah Exclusive DO'S and DON'Ts list for men! I believe all women should have their own list as a guide to what they think is acceptable when dating.

PS: To follow up on number 5. He did decide to excuse himself and take the retainer out in the bathroom. Sadly, there will not be a second date!

Thanks for reading!