Breaking all the rules

"Hide your kids. Hide your wife. Hide your husbands"

As much as people may front about the single life being so great, the truth is we are creatures meant to connect with others. Put your finger on your chin and ponder these questions: What happens when you run into that person that gives you butterflies? What happens after you exchange numbers? What happens after they finally ask you out? Berry to Mint.

When it comes to dating its ALL a game. If you dont allow Vivica Fox to teach you anything else, allow her to teach you that TWO can play the game. Madden. Aside from that, Belvedere is here to help you win by giving you 6 common dating rules and why you should consider breaking them.

1. Never kiss on the first date. The idea behind this rule is that you do not want to seem too forward. What this rule does not take into account  is the posibility of a strong chemistry on the first date. Belvedere says if the lips are too juicy to pass up, taste them. Pause. Dont go around pouncing on your dates. Let the juices work their magic. If you feel compelled to kiss on the first date, dont ruin it by feeling guilty for breaking this rule.

2. Never have sex on the first date. There is no need to pretend to be virtuous knowing you really arent. This rule only applies if you are looking for a relationship. Women are told things like "girl dont sleep with im on the first date because he will think you're a heauxx." Men are told things like "Dont try to s wleep with her on the first date, she will think all you want is her body." Well whats the rule for people who have already been involuntarily celibate for a year, now Steve Harvey wants them to wait another 90 days!?! There is no need to pretend you want something else when you know what you really want. Belvedere cannot in good conscience tell you to hookup with a stranger on the first date. If sparks fly and chemistry happens on the first date, agree to have a second date.  In the mean time, Facebook them, Google them, and take a cold shower. Although you should not go into a situation afraid to trust, you should keep a watchful eye on your potential bangers & strokers. Give yourself a break before you think with the wrong head.

3. The man always pays for the first date. Belvedere is a Southern Belle so she was raised to believe a gentleman should be allowed to "treat" his lady. The problem is that on the first date, no ties have been made. To my ladies, if you feel compelled to cover the check then do so. I'm not talking about the fake reach. I'm talking about grabbing the check and insisting on covering the tab. It will allow you to show your independence rather than just bragging about it. Fellas, dont take advantage of our independence. While it is fun to go Dutch, its nice to have a man who doesnt mind picking up the check.

4. Always show up late. The idea behind this is to keep your date waiting and allow anticipation to build. I must admit to showing up to my fair share of dates late. I learned my lesson the first time a guy arrived late to our date. It took away from the ambiance and I was disappointed that I couldnt make my grand entrance and wow him away once I showed him how I mastered the Tyra Banks "smile with your eyes." Its not ok to show up late. This is especially true when the person who is on time is forced to sip on her water and shoot the breeze with the waiter who barely speaks English. Time is valuable and it should be respected. This means add an extra half hour to your prepping time if you have too. Be courteous enough to contact your date if you are running behind schedule.

5. Always wait 3 days to call back. The idea behind this dating rule of thumb is to make sure that your new squeeze doesn't think you're desperate to see him/her. Somehow this has become a golden rule.The trick is to accurately guage how well your date really went. If it went really well break the rule and call him/her the next evening. If it didnt go so well wait 24-36 hours to see if they contact you first. If not, take the initiative and send a text or email. The amount of time you wait to call back is not proportionate to how long the relationship lasts, but waiting too long can definitely allow someone else to swoop in for the win.


6. Limit your spending. The idea behind this rule is that you do not want to start off doing something you may not be able to keep up in the long run. You also want to give yourself a chance to find out whether he/she wants you or your wallet. The first few dates should be cheaper and the more serious the relationship becomes the more dough you can drop on dates.

A great rule of thumb is to avoid advice that includes words like "always," "never," "all men," "all women," and any other blanket statements. No 2 relationships will be the same. Following blanket dating advice will only lead to lonely nights in a snuggie. Dont pretend to be something you aren't because pretty soon he/she will meet the real YOU.


Did I miss any dating rules? Do you have any of your own? Have you ever considered breaking them?

The floor is yours...

Posted By Belvedere