Dumped by Text? A Gal’s Guide to Datetiquette

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

It is no surprise that nowadays dating is more confusing than even 10 years ago. The informal condition of our society and the  infiltration of technology have been  game changers.   Here are a few tips to navigate through today’s  dating game.

To ask or not to ask… Who initiates a date?

○        Woman are more often doing the asking.  In the event, you are doing the inviting, be prepared to take care of the details.

○        When asking someone on a date, ask face-to-face or by telephone, not by email/text or voice mail.

○        Give plenty of advance notice, at least four days. If the invitation comes late, it could give the impression the person is being asked because somebody else could not make it.

○        Paying for dinner and other activities is the proper thing for a man to do. Expecting dutch dates is not acceptable unless the date has been preplanned that way. No matter what arrangements you make, never go on a date without money.  Be prepared to pay at least for half.

○        Do not anticipate being escorted from your home to the date. Meeting a first date at the agreed upon locale is safer and gives you more options and an exit strategy.

○        No hard feelings if the date does not go well.  If you feel that you would never want to date a person who asks you out, say something like “thanks very much, I have other plans” or “ It was really nice of you to think of me.”  You do not have to divulge these other plans.—even if it means you would rather take a nap or wash your hair.

It used to be that after a date, an acceptable time to make a follow-up call was three days, with  the male generally initiating the call.  Today the response time after a date can be as quick as that same night, via text or email.  So what do you do?

• MMI suggests that if you enjoyed your date, call or email/text the following day. In the event, your date was not favorable, send a simple “Thank you”with no promise for the future.  Complete silence is poor form.
• If you make it past the first date, the one who was invited should call or send a note saying that he or she had a good time. An e-mail is acceptable, but won’t leave a  defining impression.

Navigating through the dating arena is not easy..There is no GPS for making the right move. Call on Mother, May I for additional advice at  MMIpgh@gmail.com

Check us out on our websitewww.mothermayisite.org or call us at 412.531.2050 for more information on how we can help make your life experience…nicer.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”