We’ve all grown up hearing certain myths about the dating world. Myths often grow out of a once-truthful notion, which over time became outdated or inconsequential. Other myths seem to have no basis in truth whatsoever.
Myth #1: The man must pay on the first date.
This one had its heyday, but is somewhat old-fashioned now. In this time of equality among men and women, it is becoming the norm to go dutch (or, each person paying half). However, there’s a catch: some people have been raised to believe the man should still cover the bill entirely. The best thing to do if you are the man is to assume you will be paying, so as to avoid an awkward confrontation; if you are the woman, though, offer to pay half as soon as the bill arrives.
Myth #2: Sex on the first/second/third date is Relationship-Death.
Once again, this myth stemmed from an older time when a girl’s purity was more important than her personality. Fortunately, times have changed. More and more women are taking charge of their sexuality. Having sex early in a relationship no longer means he won’t call the next day. Nevertheless, a person should never give into pressure or move faster than to what they are accustomed. But if you both are feeling frisky, don’t let dated qualms stop you.
Myth #3: Dinner and a movie are a surefire first date combination.
No, no, no. A movie should rarely, if ever, be a first date activity. How are you supposed to get to know this person sitting awkwardly beside you, unsure of whether to hold your hand or whether he can make a quiet joke. Save that date for Round Three or Four. Instead, for a first date, focus on activities which encourage open talking: hiking, dining, bowling, sports games, etc.
Myth #4: You must wait three days after a date to call.
This is one of those dating games that tend to hinder, rather than help, a budding relationship. In the past, a person did not want to seem too eager by contacting his or her date right away. However, in today’s world of constant communication, not contacting your date for over three days may turn that person off. Don’t play games. If you had a good time, call or email and say it.
Myth #5: The man must make the first move.
Like the first myth about a man paying for the date, this one is also a gender-based oldie. Let’s face it: men today are not as brazen as they may have been decades ago. Luckily for them, women are becoming more assertive by the year. If, at the end of the night, your date begins the awkward, foot-shuffling, eye-contact-avoiding dance of the unsure and undecided, do him (and yourself) a favor and lean in for a kiss. While in the past, such a move might have been seen as wanton or even scandalous, today it is not only acceptable, but also downright appreciated by the shy boys.
The holiday gift-giving season is almost here. However, daters beware! Sending the wrong type of gifts can be hazardous to your relationship.
Can you imagine giving a gal that you’ve just met a pair of diamond earrings? No pressure, right?! Or the flip side, if you offer that special someone, whom you’ve gotten really close in the past 6 months, a pair of white socks, how romantic is that? The appropriateness depends on the stage of your relationship.
Generally the longer you’ve been dating, the more expensive the gift. There are some gender differences too.
Guys usually like gifts that are more utilitarian, while women tend to appreciate romantic presents. Here’re some timely gift ideas that will definitely impress!
Less than 3 Months (Just Starting )
Go for light hearted, but sincere. You’re still getting to know each other. Now is NOT the time to splurge on something grand & expensive. The other person would be in an awkward position if they didn’t get you something similar. You want to come across as thoughtful, not over-compensating.
And if things don’t work out, then it’d be like flushing money down the toilet. If the guy likes to drink, then get him a stylish beer mug set that’d impress his drinking
buddies. Anchor Hocking, a 104 year old company, resonates with class & quality in this category.
$19.99
See’s Chocolate Candies will melt your gal’s sweet tooth. This high end candy maker owned by Warren Buffet will ensure some truly blissful moments.
$29.75
3 – 6 Months (Getting Serious)
Things are heating up. You’re now in a more intense & accelerated stage. Clothing is an intimate item, and could make a great gift!
Women often have a better sense of fashion than men, and are more likely to pick something that will look great! But guys don’t despair. You could enlist the service of a trendy & knowledgeable saleswoman. Or just get a gift card! Then actually go shopping with her to pick out something nice. That's a very romantic gesture, and will earn you dividend.
Ladies, this Plush Robe is definitely soft & comfy, especially when hugging & cuddling…
$110
Guys, you probably want to take her shopping at this store. 
$100
6+ Months (Serious)
Ok, now you are quite serious about one another. It’s time to demonstrate with something fancy & thoughtful.
This Titanium Seiko watch at Macy's is a balance of value & style. He will definitely get plenty of compliements.
$318.75
Gentlemen, better up the ante and get her something really nice like this Diamond Double Heart Pendant in 15K white gold from Blue Nile. If you plan it just right with a romantic dinner, magical things could happen…
$340
The value of the gifts doesn’t buy love. However money sure helps! Yes the economy sucks right now. But your gift sends a strong signal of your investment in the relationship. So do the right thing, and give something that will truly wow!
You have just spent the last couple hours with a beautiful woman in which you shared stories of your childhoods and batted questions back and forth like a tennis tournament. It went off without a hitch—even better than you expected! Now you are driving her home, pulling into her driveway, locking the emergency brake…and you have no clue about what to do next. To kiss or not to kiss?
That final moment of the date can be unbelievable awkward. Even if everything leading up to it were perfect, the last two minutes can make or break the whole experience in her mind. First off, you do not want to seem too eager for the kiss, lest she think you are too pushy or desperate. On the other hand, aloofness can also turn her off if she thinks you don’t like her after all.
Decide the better setting: should you stay in your car or walk her to her door? While your car will afford more privacy, it isn’t nearly romantic or chivalrous as being escorted on one’s door. Shut off the engine and get out.
Start by studying her demeanor. Is she lingering, talking about what fun she had, how you should do it again sometime? Gushing over or recapping (going over funny moments from earlier) the date is a pretty good sign that she is into you. If she were not, she would probably rush through this part to get you on your way as soon as possible or just hop out of the car with a passing “buh-bye” over her shoulder. But if you sense hesitation, it’s likely because she is somewhat shy and you will be the one to make a move.
The best way to ease into a situation is to take her hand, thank her for the great time, then kiss the back of her hand gently. Corny? Maybe. Nevertheless, this move is ingenious. If the girl is not into you, you’ll sense it immediately. Yet it won’t be an awkward confrontation in which she pulls away and gasps, “Eek, get away!” You can just stop at the hand-kissing with no hard feelings.
However, if after your gentlemanly act, she beams and blushes and continues to linger with her hand in yours, she is clearly into it. At this point, you may either stop while you’re ahead or take it to the next step by leaning in for a kiss. While still holding her hand in one of yours, put your other hand at the back of her head, drawing her closer. This will also help you to guide her the right way, avoiding the embarrassing nose-bump or accidental tongue-to-nostril contact. Keep your hand there even after you have kissed, which will make her feel enveloped by you.
Finally, if you have not been kneed in the groin at this point, you can officially consider your first date a raging success!
