The New Dating Etiquette

The fight for equality changed the landscape of our homes and careers, but what about love and dating? The question has had many a woman debating the issue for decades. Should we still let the man pay for the first date? Is a kiss okay? What about sex? Here we bring you the new rules for dating the modern man.

1. Thou Shalt Not Accept Ungentlemanly Behaviour
A man should always pick up the bill on the first date. Is this an out-dated concept or will you offering to pay be a sure-fire way to make him want more?
Unfortunately, the answer is ‘a bit of both’. It’s only gentlemanly that he should pay but don’t just ‘expect’ it. When the bill comes, reach for your bag and do the awkward searching-for-my-purse dance. He will (if he’s worth his salt) tell you he will pay. Protest this once but then accept his insistence.

2. Thou Shalt Make Him Wait
In these modern times, it’s difficult to gauge when the right time is to sleep with a new partner. But, it all depends on what you want from the relationship. If you’re looking for something long-term then you’re advised to wait. Anything from 1-5 months is most common but it all depends how much time you spend together. Aim for at least four dates before committing anything more.

3. Thou Shalt Not Become a Space Invader
As your relationship develops, you might have the opportunity to stay the night at each other’s homes. Make sure you respect his space. Nothing puts off a man more quickly than waking up and finding his girlfriend’s tampons in the medicine cabinet. It is a generalisation, yes, but most men are easily spooked. If he sees yearnings of domesticity lingering in your eyes, he is likely to run the other way.