Some of my single friends and I recently discussed The Rules, a handbook for dating based on traditional gender roles. I don’t want to give that book too much airtime here, because I think it’s hooey. However, you’re welcome to follow the link if you’re curious what The Rules are. So I decided to make my own list of Rules, and this is what I came up with so far (although I will admit that I’ve not followed any of these very rigidly…):
Don’t talk about dates on Twitter (or on your blog)
Do add your date as a Facebook friend
Don’t add date pics to Facebook (unless it’s a group date or a special occasion)
Do google your date before you meetup
First dates are over coffee
Second dates are lunch
Third dates are dinner
Don’t go to movies on dates
Pay for your half of the tab and expect your date to do the same
Do bring up a feminist topic on the first date to judge your date’s reaction
Don’t date anyone who doesn’t read books
Don’t date anyone who doesn’t cook
If a good date, follow-up with a friendly email or text message
Don’t talk about exes on dates
Do have fun and be yourself (don’t pretend to be someone you’re not)
Don’t date anyone who only talks about themselves
Don’t go rock climbing with someone who’s never been before
5 comments
Rule 23
Those seem like very good rules.
These all seem good. But at what point does the ‘date’ turn into a ‘relationship’ ? that would be a good rule to have (as in, not before a certain point?)
Melissa:
I have no idea. I’m so new at all of this that I’m not sure when that line is or should be crossed. Or if there should be some sort of relationship threshold point.
Except that it seems to me at that when you’re crossing into relatioship, that you might start setting new rules together rather than following any set pattern?
YES! Finally put that book into context for myself (“traditional gender roles”) – and it says manipulation of the opposite sex (men!) is ok, when that is so not ok. Love your list – I am passing it on to my teenage daughters! Thanks.