I'm here to give you some insight from the mystery minds of men everywhere. Before we dive deep into this topic and point out some things that REALLY happen, a little disclaimer I would like to throw out there: there are always exceptions! So let's not overthink this and get started…

1.) Reach for the check

The meal is coming to a close, drinks are finished and we're ready to head out. After the waiter puts the check on the table, you're suddenly busy or need to use the bathroom until the bill is settled. It shouldn't, but it still surprises me how often women don't offer to split the check or at the very least say "thanks!". If I ask you out on a date, I know the gentlemanly thing to do is to front the bill. But as men, we also really appreciate a woman who offers to split or even to pay the bill. I'm obviously not going to let you, but it shows great character and that you're not just in this for the free food and drinks.

2.) Thrill of the Chase

There has been some great conversation, the drinks are flowing, the attraction is unbearable, but if you see a potential relationship… DO NOT HOOK UP WITH ME THAT NIGHT! Listen, there are definitely exceptions to this reason BUT from personal experience, if you give it up right away… subconsciously a switch is flipped and we are less likely to pursue you – at least for anything meaningful. I've been told by some female friends that they think some girls do it because they think it will lock a guy in and he will stay with her…. please don't, just don't.

3.) Follow Up

Stage 5 clinger? Its real and its real bad. It's amazing how often we head home from our first date and within an hour we get a text along the lines "Heyyy! I really liked you, are you interested in me!?!?".

Wait, so you are telling me that right then and there I have to be able to decide if we want to get into a relationship with you? That's not how this works, that's not how any of this works. Typically you can get a vibe from the date if both parties are interested, if you can't tell then, there's your answer. . Let's take this one date at a time, don't put us on the spot, and if something is there then we will certainly court you. It's not a race and rushing things is just a turn off.

4.) Don't Ask

I can understand wanting to get to know someone. But some things just aren't meant to be discussed. I would think this is another obvious point, but from previous experience I've learned that's not the case. Don't ask for the number of people I've slept with. What's the point? This history shows nothing about my character or if you and I are compatible. It's uncomfortable and frankly none of your business to discuss previous escapades on a first or second or even third date. Go with the flow and have a good time!

5.) Myspace Angles Much?

It's already bad enough online dating these days with all of the apps, the filters, the rules, the balancing… the least you can do is look like your photos. OWN your body, be proud of it whether you think you are too skinny, too curvy, too short, or too tall someone will be interested.

The attention span of online dating is tough, if we don't ask you on a date then there are 20 others who will, this means we are interested in making the time for you and the last thing we want is for you to show up and you look nothing like your photos. It's misleading and starts us off thinking we cannot trust you or that you have something to hide.

6.) Dating Is A Game, Not Another Paycheck

We aren't stupid, we hear it all the time from our female friends that they have other female friends who use apps like Tinder and Bumble looking for their next meal or free drinks. Listen, we get it. The opportunity is there for you to work the system but typically we can see right through it.

If you really aren't looking for a relationship, then get off the apps or at the very least change your bio to "Just looking for some free sushi and cocktails, willing to tolerate you if you are willing to pay!"

In a world with so many dating obstacles, short attention spans, and options, we have become blind from our own actions that can make all the difference in winning over the person we want. Just remember, when the perfect person comes along the process will become effortless and the social pressures of what's right and what's wrong will disappear. Be patient and everything will fall into place