photos by ryosuke kumakura

Dear Michael,

I’ve been trying expand my horizons as some might say, and have gone on dates with a few guys I’ve met (relatively new for me); however, this hasn’t been working out very well. I went on a few dates with a guy that I really like (very handsome and refreshingly articulate) and I would say they went well; he seemed more than happy too. After our last one, we couldn’t help but fool around – which was overly enjoyable to say the least. After this though, our communication kinda just stopped.





We both were visiting our home town for the holidays (Neither of us live there anymore – semi long distance type of thing) and he just left without saying anything and I haven’t heard from him since. Being the type of person that doesn’t like to serial text, I sent him a message and he never responded; thus, I am assuming that he is not going to – being that it has been a week and we used to chat all the time.





My fear is that people just use me because of my face in order to get what they want and then toss me aside. This leads me to the point of advice. How do I know if a guy’s intention is to simply get into my pants and ditch, or if someone actually wants to go on dates with the intention of dating? And, if you have any idea, what should I make of the above situation?

Thanks,

Duke

The attached pic is me – sorry I don’t have any fun baking pics 😉

Hey Duke,

Thanks for writing in. I’m sorry to hear that you recently experienced disappointment in the dating world. Dating it tough, and being able to process and manage a certain level of disappointment will help you in the process. It sounds like you’re already on the right track – if you’re looking for a guy to date for a while, rather than just fool around with a few times. Making him wait until the second or third date is a good strategy. As far as being able to tell whether the guy is just looking to date or just fool around, that’s difficult – most of the time people don’t quite know what they’re looking for, even as they’re out and about in the dating world.

My main piece of advice to you is this: even as you’re looking for a suitable long term partner, try not to be goal-oriented when you’re dating. Just see each date as a chance to get to know the other person and have fun. Try not to read too much into an experience, even if you do wind up fooling around with your date. People don’t respond well when they can palpably feel your expectations.

Why not consider yourself the commodity? Be friendly, and have fun, but ultimately make the other person prove to you why they deserve your time. Always value your own self and what you want most of all.

I’m not exactly sure what it means when you say that people just want to use you because of your face, but as far as faces go, it’s a pretty cute one. Don’t be surprised if people want to use it for kissing, or other more aggressive activity.

Duke, you’re young and attractive. Keep your chin up and have a good time. If you look like you’re having a good time that breeds an attractive energy. I’m sure there’s plenty more crushes, dates, and foolings-around in your future.

Thanks again for writing in – Jerk.