The beginning of a new year means we get a chance to be a new person — or at least that’s the idea. Most of us set goals for new accomplishments, as well as vowing to drop detrimental behaviors and habits. However, particularly when it comes to dating, guys could use a few pointers in how to make 2016 better than ever. In other words, they need to stop doing these 14 things:
- Flirting just to flirt. Flirting to get a hook up or get a date is one thing, but flirting just to flirt is another. If you don’t plan on following through on your winks and slight shoulder rubs, then stop it. And if you’re not single, that’s just wrong.
- Staying in a relationship so you don’t have to be alone. If you’re unhappy, leave. If you’re not in love anymore, leave. Don’t stick around just because you’re afraid of being lonely. You’re just being unfair and quite honestly, a jerk.
- Ignoring texts just to make a point. This was OK in high school, back when playing hard to get was a thing. Now, you’re an adult and this is just stupid. There’s nothing wrong with replying to a text once you get it. It shows you’re interested, and that’s a good thing.
- Playing games with the girl you’re trying to get. Basically, don’t be an idiot. If you like her, ask her out. We’re past the point where you have to play games in order to get the girl. You get the girl when you go after the girl.
- Gluing your face to your phone. This is to all of you guys who are dating either someone in particular or a bunch of people on casual dates. You’ll never get to know us if your face is glued to the phone. Plus, it makes you look juvenile.
- Thinking romance doesn’t exist. Duh… every girl loves romance and it exists if you make it exist. Enough said.
- Overdressing. Please stop wearing a long-sleeve shirt under a t-shirt with both arms full of bracelets and sunglasses on your head. Just stop. Trust me — if you want to be taken seriously, less is more.
- Asking us out over Facebook. This one isn’t as obvious as it should be, but you need to show some effort. Don’t hide behind the computer screen — actually have a real conversation with us and make us want to spend more time with you. We can’t tell from your profile alone.
- Stringing us along. You know that phrase, sh*t or get off the pot? Well, live by it. Stop wasting our time and if you’re not into it, end it before it goes any further. We’ll respect you much more for it.
- Drunk texting your ex. Seriously, get over it. Exes are exes for a reason. How will you move on if you’re still playing games with your ex? That’s just unbecoming.
- Not calling us back. Just be real about it. If you’re not interested, tell us. Don’t leave her hanging. Also, don’t feed us BS excuses about not having your phone, the battery being dead, etc.
- Making excuses for not setting up the second date. Again, if you’re not interested, just say so. Nothing is worse than wondering whether or not there’ll be a second date.
- Being too scared to meet the parents. If you’re planning on staying with us, you’ll need to get this over with sooner or later, so why not now? Get over the fact that you’re going to meet our parents. Buy them something pretty and work on your handshake skills.
- Thinking you don’t have time for a relationship. I get it — things come up sometimes. But I’ve always lived by the idea that if you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to have it. Same goes for dating. If you really want to date her, then date her. Stop making excuses for why you“can’t” go to dinner Friday night.
