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I’m taking a chance by admitting this, but one of my guilty pleasures is reading the dating/relationship section over at msn.com.  I don’t care, though.  No matter what you say, they have some really solid articles on dating – a lot of them have taught me a lot.  It’s honestly eye-opening to read a dating blog by someone of the opposite sex.  It’s kind of like how Sex and the City was a documentary for guys on female behavior.

Anyway, I came across an interesting post by Erin Meanley, a female dating blogger.  She listed out 31 things she wished she knew about dating 10 years ago.  I figured I’d give a guy’s point of view to each of the 31 things she said.  Check them out below, and please visit the original site if you can (I’m not trying to get any copyright infringement claims right now!):

1. If you’re confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that’s probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything.

Guy’s point of view: It depends.  If it’s early on in the relationship, you may need to give it time.  If you’ve been dating for two months and you’re still confused, it’s a bad sign (trust me, I’ve been there).

2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)

Guy’s point of view: Yup

3. Even a guy who will admit that you’re better looking than him should still be able to tell you you’re beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he’s got issues.

Guy’s point of view: Don’t think I’ve heard of a guy actively not telling a girl she’s beautiful if he thinks she is. Can’t say much on this one.

4. Don’t help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I’m glad you’re more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn’t want the help.

Guy’s point of view: I don’t think I agree with this one, sometimes we need a little push to know where you’re coming from.

5. Guys want to get busy more than anything. They’ll say anything to close the deal.

Guy’s point of view: Absolutely not the case. True, there are a lot of guys that only want one thing, but for the most part, particularly with the people I know, they’re more interested in long term, committed, solid, meaningful relationships. I’ve known guys who have turned down sex to improve the chances that the relationship will succeed. This is just a broad generalization.

6. It’s shocking how much guys will talk about marriage. Until there’s a ring on your finger, it will be better for you if you pretend you’re deaf.

Guy’s point of view: It depends on the guy, there are some guys that are as into marriage as some girls, and the opposite is also true.

7. It’s better not to lift a finger in the beginning.

Guy’s point of view: Huh?

8. In the early stages, giving him presents is too much. Generosity looks desperate to guys. You may be a great shopper and gift-wrapper; it may be his birthday and you may be wild about birthdays — even still, he’ll think you’re just wild about him. Too wild.

Guy’s point of view: If you’re really into a guy, don’t let stupid rules stop you from giving him gifts when it’s appropriate. Hint: it is appropriate on his birthday.

9. Guys just do not think like girls. I wish I’d had a brother. Real boys are nothing like the boys in movies.

Guy’s point of view: It’s true, guys don’t think like girls. Guys also don’t like being referred to as “boys.”

10. They might take a decade to mature. Don’t hope they’ll grow up or be ready in the next six months.

Guy’s point of view: Most of us are still little kids on the inside. But then again, there are always exceptions.

11. Even if your family thinks there’s going to be a marriage, don’t let them spoil your guy. Yes, he’s grateful you gave him your car when he moved out of NYC, but he would rather have had to work for it.

Guy’s point of view: What does having your family spoil us and giving us your car have anything to do with each other?

12. Learn to cook. Learn to cook well. I see now that it would have won me a lot of points. A LOT.

Guy’s point of view: Food is good. I’m pretty sure this one can apply to both guys and girls though.

13. Just because he might be smarter than you or more talented at certain things doesn’t mean he’s your servant and won’t mind doing all your homework/research/chores.

Guy’s point of view: I feel like this is common sense. Nobody likes to be treated like that.

14. Guys get resentful, too.

Guy’s point of view: We do. We’re still human, after all.

15. You’re special, unique, and important, but you’re not a princess — no matter what Daddy says (although for the record, my dad calls me “Erin”).

Guy’s point of view: YES! Thank you. This feeling of entitlement that some girls have in relationships is completely unrealistic. As long as you can respect your guy, respect yourself, and know who you truly are, you shouldn’t need to feel like you deserve to be placed on an imaginary pedestal for him to worship you. It goes the same for guys, too.

16. It’s okay to say no. It’s more than okay. It’s always okay. If he stops calling (and many, many, many will), you’re only weeding out the guys who aren’t truly interested in you as a person. Time saved!

Guy’s point of view: It’s true, if he stopped calling just because of that, you probably dodged a bullet.

Read ahead: Numbers 17-31»

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