Do’s and Don’ts of Dating In The 21st Century

Modern dating definitely isn't what it was 50-100 years ago, not even 25 years ago. There are new rules and new ideas to contend with now. Long gone are the days when women sat around waiting on men to call and ask for a date. Long gone are the days when a woman had only her cooking and childcare skills to brag about. The dating world is a whole new place.

Do: Be willing to try online dating

You might think it's not something you want to even try, but trying out online dating is the only way you'll know if it's for you or not. Before you experience online dating, talk to some people who have done it. Read articles that offer good tips about online dating and how to weed out the losers. You will run into a variety of people when you online date. That doesn't mean the entire experience is doomed. You just need to figure out your own standards and not put up with anything you don't find acceptable. Online dating is common these days and can be lots of fun.

Don't: Ignore your date for your phone

While it's very common to see practically everyone on their phones 24/7, it's not very polite. When you're on a date with someone your attention should be focused on them. Don't be checking your phone every two minutes to see who's updated on Facebook or made their move in a game. Enjoy the person in front of you and your time away from your phone.

Do: Be yourself

If you're a chivalrous man, don't stop being one because you've run into a lot of women who are offended by your acts. Continue being chivalrous and you'll eventually meet a woman who truly appreciates it. If you're a woman who prides yourself on being a career woman and financially secure, don't change just because you meet a man you like, but who expects his woman to stay at home and care for him. You have to be yourself in order to find the right person to fit your life.

Don't: Be dependent

Being in a relationship is great, but the truth is you can't be with your partner all the time. You shouldn't want to be with them constantly either. Both people in a couple need to have their own time to see friends or be involved in a hobby. Don't sit and wait around for your partner to come back. Wanting to be with someone every minute of the day might sound romantic, but it's not.

Do: Offer to chip in for the date

If you're a woman, it's perfectly fine to offer to pay for half of the dates you go on. Your date might not take you up on the offer, but you can be sure he'll be impressed that you even offered.

Don't: Ask for a date via text

While we might be living in the age of technology and texting, you don't want to ask a woman you like out via text. Call her up and let her hear your voice. You can't hear excitement, shyness or even nervousness through a text. Texting lacks emotion that goes along with asking and accepting a date.

Do: Add a photo to your online dating profile

Profiles that have no photo get ignored way more than ones with photos. You might use the excuse that you want to be judged by who you are and not what you look like, but looks can matter. Don't fool yourself into thinking that if you met someone who met all of your qualifications but ended up being 300 pounds and wore neon coloured tank tops, you'd feel exactly the same. But it's not all a matter of beauty. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. We all have preferences. If you like rockers, a man who looks like he stepped out of GQ probably won't do it for you.

Don't: Date married people

This tip always applies, but these days people seem more comfortable doing it and making excuses as to why it's okay. It's never okay. It doesn't matter if he or she is exceptionally unhappy in their marriage. If they are that unhappy they need to get divorced. People often make the excuse that they can't get divorced and leave their kids, but this is an excuse that allows them to have their cake and eat it too. Remember that you can do better and find someone who is available. Don't lower your standards.

Dating in the 21st century is different in many ways than it used to be, but many things still remain the same. It's up to you to decide what you will and will not accept in your dating life and stick to what you believe in. You can have anything you want.