The Dating Experience

Last night I had dinner with someone that considers herself as “classy”. Since “classy” was a big part of how she defined herself, I decided I should take her to a classy restaurant. While she learned to look the part, she failed at the dinner table. (Let’s remember that just because you wear nice clothing and drive an expensive car does not mean you are classy.)

I am not saying I am an expert in this department and I do find myself correcting myself. But, too many people are clueless when it comes to basic table manners. Here are a few basics to remember:
• If someone is buying your meal, be modest when ordering. Don’t order the most expensive thing on the menu (see “Ordering I”).
• Elbows off the table … I know this is basic stuff but some of you have forgotten about this. (Don’t worry … we all catch ourselves putting our elbows on the table.)
• Don’t talk with your mouth full of food.
• Both feet on the floor! Sitting cross-legged or with one foot on another chair maybe OK if you are sitting at home watching TV but not while out on the town or at the dinner table.
• Don’t reach across the table (and across others at the table). If you want the wine bottle that is across the table ask someone to pass it to you.
• Keep your mouth closed when eating.
• Don’t make loud noises when eating (no slurping or munching sounds).
• No stretching.
• Guys, take your hats off.
• Keep your shoes on while at the table!
• Dress for the occasion.

I know these tips may sound basic but some people either are not aware or don’t care. I once took a date to a fancy restaurant. I had stepped away and as I returned to my date I noticed everyone looking towards my table. I was a little embarrassed to find my date loudly munching down her dinner and stretching. This finely dressed woman with her expensive jewelry, perfectly done make-up and hair was even upset when I commented about her stretching (I did not even bother with the loud eating noises). Her comment was “Isn’t this a free country?! Why can’t I do this if this is a free country?!” In this case my date was Asian and mixed up freedom for manners. Don’t make this mistake.

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If you are going to post pictures of yourself post recent photos or photos that are true to who you are now. And if you are not honest with your photos, don’t be surprised if your date is disappointed with the real you.

Things are going well until the following week when I receive my mail (you know, as in regular post office mail). My mailbox was full of junk mail. The woman pictured on one of the ads is the exact woman that I have been exchanging emails with. Not only is it the same woman, it is the same picture she is using on her profile.

When I ask her about this she suggests a friend must have submitted her photo to an ad agency. That was the last time I heard from her after I ask her to send another picture of herself.

If that was not enough, a few days later I found ‘her’ picture being used on a different website. This is the same picture that I found in my mailbox - you know, the one the girl was using in her online dating profile!

I am not sure what this woman was thinking? Did she think I would fall in love with her emails and once we met I would not care about her appearance or the fact that she started our relationship with a lie?