what i've learned from dating...

the difference between men and women 

in my experience with dating, i've learned a lot (i think....)

- playing the "game" of "hard to get" does not work with dudes.

if you're interested in a guy, make it known.

sure, they like the fact that you're 'mysterious' and what not - but what normal guy really

wants to date someone who acts like they're busy all the time.  

if the mutual attraction is there, then play your cards on that.

dating is a game, yes, but not one that takes a rocket scientist.

- be honest in dating.

if you're not interested in a guy, be upfront and honest with him.

sure the initial ripping off a band-aid hurts, but eventually the initial sting goes away and you're over it.

- girls dress for other girls (not guys).

sure i stress out over what i look like on a first date - i try to impress the guy, but if a guy is already spending time with you, 

you're pretty much guaranteed that he's interested somewhat. 

don't try to impress a man with the latest fashions, fads, your newest jeggings, or crazy eye-shadow. (he won't get it and will most likely think you're trying too hard)

just be yourself.

less is more.

- realize that men DO NOT read minds. 

I repeat - men CANNOT read your mind.

if you tell a guy it's ok for him to hang out with his buds on a Friday night vs. hanging out with you - then you better dang well expect that

the guy is going to think it's fine for him to go out with his friends.  don't play the card "well i wish you knew what i really wanted'' when 

he calls you the next day and you're being a beezy to him because he went out with his friends.

you pretty much gave him PERMISSION to go with the guys.

stop being a brat about it.  he'll get sick of your crap and find someone else who knows how to communicate.

- communication is key.

if a guy doesn't take you on the most elaborate dates - and it truly honestly bothers you, just TELL him!

if you don't communicate, neither of you will know what to expect from the other person.

talking in a relationship works out MUCH better when you can be open and honest with someone.

again, revert back to the fact that MEN DO NOT READ MINDS.

- do not get too physical too fast.

if you give a man what he wants (let's be honest, all dudes like some sort of physical-ness) too soon, then it just spoils the relationship.

holding hands, kissing, etc. should be the ICING on the relationship cake, not the cake.

if you're relationship with a man is ALL physical - you've got yourself a relationship straight from booty central.

if that's all a guy wants to do when you're together - GET OUT - RUN!  

in my experience, if a guy really likes me, he'll respect me and  get to know me first - before he introduces himself to my lips.

if he doesn't, then i'm sorry - he is NOT for me.

- if you're putting in TOO much effort, chances are the relationship is a doozy.

if you're the one constantly putting forth effort to make the relationship work, chances are the other person isn't feeling it.

if you feel like you're the only one doing any "work" - maybe you should lay off and see what happens.

chances are, the other person will realize what's going on (if you're truly important to them) and they'll step up to the plate.

if they don't - FORGET EM and move on.  seriously.

who really wants to be with someone who doesn't dote on them.  not this girl.

- lastly, do NOT settle.  

just because you're not in an exclusive relationship doesn't mean you're a failure at life.

it just means that your time hasn't come yet.

trust me, there are WORSE THINGS THAN BEING SINGLE.

enjoy your life and learn to love yourself first and foremost.

be happy with yourself, your job, your life, your health.

make the most of yourself.

i firmly believe in being happy by yourself before you can be happy with someone else.

life is tough - but i'll say it again 

     there are worse things than being single.