Erin' Guide to Dating: Helpful Advice & Rules

As you begin to read this I'm sure you'll start thinking to yourself a number of things:

1. Why should I listen to her?
2. What makes her such an expert on dating?
3. Why does she think her advice is better than anyone of my friend's advice?
4. How can I contact her for a date?
5. Does she have any help for online dating?

Yes, I am single. However, I don't think this should discredit the following advice on dating I'm going to share with whoever happens to come across this blog. I'm an optimistic individual who doesn't think anyone should rely on attaching their happiness to another human through a serious relationship. 

One of my theories relating to this subject matter is if you can't stand to be alone with yourself for more than 10 minutes then how do you expect someone else to want to. Being single for me is a personal choice. Everyday, I'm learning more about myself and becoming a more solid and independent individual. I feel that in turn this can only strengthen any relationship I chose to enter in the future. 

I do still go out on dates with guys who happen my way, and maybe eventually one of them will make a good partner in crime. Who knows it could be one of the guys I'm currently seeing or someone in the future. I try to never close my mind to the possibilities of anyone I've met or will meet.

I think that's enough of a ramble about my personal life and now it's time to get down to business. Please, remember to take any advice you get from me or any of your friends, family, or another complete stranger with a grain of salt. You know your own life better than anyone else and you know deep down what is best for you. No one else can tell you how to live your life, but they can try to see things from an outsiders view point.

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One of the most important rules to remember when dating a guy is that seeing each other naked WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING! Being naked is something that despite what some people may think is one of the most vulnerable positions to be in. You no longer have your clothes to hide behind and cover the things about yourself you don't like or find less than satisfactory. When you are naked in front of someone else you are putting yourself out there to be judged, scrutinized, praised, and appreciated. Whether or not you are aware of it you yourself are doing this right back.

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SOMETHINGS TO TRY AND AVOID DOING WHILE DATING SOMEONE

• DON'T text back right away or too much. You don't want to seem too desperate.
• DON'T date someone who isn't over their ex. No one wants to be the rebound.
• DON'T date a coworker. This can make for a messy working environment.
• DON'T date a stripper.
• DON'T date close family members of an ex. Siblings and parents are completely off limits.
• DON'T sleep with them too early. You want to keep some mystery about yourself and something to keep them coming back for more.
• DON'T be overly available.
• DON'T forget your friends.  They are your support and without them when things go bad you'll be completely lost.
• DON'T date your exes best friends.
• DON'T talk about your exes. Especially their prowess in bed.
• DON'T assume anything. Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.
• DON'T settle for anything less than what you want/deserve.
• DON'T focus on finding the one. Try having fun instead.
• DON'T be overly critical.
• DON'T be misleading. If you aren't interested just say so.
• DON'T be late for a date. It's just rude.
• DON'T check out other people while on a date. Also rude.
• DON'T lie. Even if the truth is lame it could haunt you later.
• DON'T constantly text or check your phone on a date. Give the person you are with you undivided attention.
• DON'T get drunk. Especially on the first few dates.
• DON'T date a married person. It always ends tragically for those involved.
• DON'T date a cheater. Most likely they will cheat on you too.

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SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU ON WITH YOUR DATES

• DO remember to give someone time to breathe/think after a breakup.
• DO try to always look your best.
• DO keep some mystery about yourself.
• DO take some girl/guy time apart every so often and remember he/she needs their space too.
• DO keep it to yourself early on if you want kids.
• DO try to hold in farts or burps for the first few dates. If you are a woman you don't need to show that you can do all the same things as a man.
• DO try to date someone who is goal oriented and has a drive to succeed.
• DO avoid people who have overly controlling parents. They'll never give you any peace.
• DO try to remember to compliment your date.
• DO ask questions and show your interested in your date.
• DO date people you like and are attracted to and not someone your friends are pushing you towards.

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 SOME FURTHER ADVICE TO HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY

• If your date seems possessive or incredibly insecure RUN!!!
• Living at home isn't a bad thing unless they're 30 something.
• If someone can't leave their phone alone with you while they do something in another room like take a shower they might have something to hide.