Dating rules: Who should pay and when

It seems that all anyone is talking about lately is the economy, so why is money still such a tough topic to discuss with your nearest and dearest? They say married couples fight over money more than anything else, but what about when you just started internet dating? That's possibly even more awkward.

Columnist says no woman should leave her house on first date without enough money to pay for her meal.

The first date

Though Dr. Phil feels otherwise, my take on this has always been he (or she) who asks, pays. (The bloviating shrink says men should always be the ones to pony up.)

And if you don't pay for the whole thing, you should at least offer to split the tab. Incredibly (to me), most women I spoke to thought I was an idiot and firmly believed the dude should always pay on a first date -- though for some this was a recent change of heart.

Kate, a 33-year-old writer told me, "I tend to try to pay for myself, but as I get older and more comfortable with my awesomeness, I kind of wish and hope that the other person will be a little more old-fashioned about it." Good point. If someone's eating opposite Amazing Me, shouldn't she or he pay for the privilege? After all, I'm entertaining and cute and if you let me order dessert there may be some smooching in your future.

Regardless of your feelings on the matter, whatever you do, don't leave the house without enough money to pay for at least your share. It's a first date so while he may seem great (and generous) on paper, you never really know what you're getting into until he's sitting across from you. Sure, he might be staring adoringly deep into your eyes, but then again, his pants might be held up with duct tape. Do you really want to count on that dude to know the meaning of "gratuity?"

What to say: "That's so generous of you -- can I at least leave the tip?"

What not to say: "This princess doesn't pay for food!"

Dates two-thru-six

Jennifer Kelton, CEO and founder of BadOnlineDates.com, has built a business on bad online dating behavior. She explains her thoughts on the money issue: "While it's not expected, Let's face it -- we are hardwired to want the man to 'bring back dinner to the cave.'" Up until my current relationship, I've almost always been in the driver's seat finance-wise (and believe me, that's a pretty meager seat) so I've always furnished my own cave.

I ask her if it's okay to date a guy just for a free ride or free grub? Kelton says no. "Being cheap is never attractive and I would say that after more than four dates the woman should pay the tip." Whoa! Just the tip? Apparently the women who called me a moron were onto something!

However, if you're going to keep riding the free-food express, the least you can do is surreptitiously feel out his money situation -- if he's hurting, suggest cheaper restaurants or maybe cook for the guy.

What to say: "That's so generous of you -- can I at least leave the tip?"

What not to say: "Let's have the 2000 Perrier-Jouet, since this one's on you!"

Dates six-thru-infinity

Up until the two of you really get to know each other, there's probably not going to be any urgent need to discuss finances in depth, but he can't keep buying you steak and foie gras dinners if he's on a cheeseburger and fries budget. For all you know, you're out-earning him or he's supporting 12 Guatemalan orphans and is stretched to the breaking point. Then again, maybe he's a gazillionaire.

At about date six (possibly sooner if they're really eventful dates!), you should be getting to know a lot about every part of him -- including his wallet. There's no right or wrong way to approach this discussion, but just remember, financial compatibility is almost as important as sexual chemistry, though rarely as much fun.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/19/tf.how.not.talk.about.money/

Holding On To Your Money During Economic Uncertainties

Holding on to Your Money During Economic Uncertainties
People used to say, "Another day, another dollar." However, that dollar has shrunk to the point, where stretching a buck seems to be an impossible task.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1459420/holding_on_to_your_money_during_economic.html

Finding Mr or Mrs Right Through Arab Dating Websites! By Imad Atallah

If you're looking to find someone to fall in love with, then simply waiting for them to find you might not be the answer. The web has smashed through the boundaries that usually get in the way of finding the love of your life, and make the whole process far more efficient than it has ever been before. If you're an Arab, and your looking to date another Arab, then thanks to Arab dating websites it's possible to visit dating portals where you can only find others just like you!

Once you visit an Arab dating website and sign up, don't think you're going to find the love of your life in the click of a mouse! It's never that simple. However, if you follow the steps below you may find that the process is far easier than you had ever imagined it would be.

1. The Profile: Getting your profile right can make or break your success in the world of online dating. It will not only form the foundations of that all important first impression, it will also form the basis with which any potential daters will decide if they will respond to your first comment, or if they will contact you in the first place!

2. Don't Play Hard To Get: In the online world, playing hard to get is out of the question. If you would rather wait until a person shows an interest in you before you respond, then don't expect it to happen any time this year! You have to bite the bullet and go for it! Don't be scared, or you won't get anywhere in the world of online dating!

3. Be Safe: Always, always keep your personal details safe. If you fail to do this, you may find that you regret it further down the line. If you ever decide to meet someone in person then why not suggest a double date and bring a friend along for the ride? It's always safer when your with someone else.

4. Be Yourself: If your not yourself when your speaking with someone online then your relationship can never come to anything. Why? Because once you respond you will find that you have to meet them, and live up to what they expect, if your hoping for a fulfilling relationship to develop from it.

5. Be Patient: Although online dating is a great way to find the love of your life, you don't have to expect success right away. As the saying goes you don't want to try too hard. Instead take a relaxed approach to online dating and look to enjoy yourself on the site. That way you will have a good time regardless and will not appear too desperate to other daters that are looking to find someone too. With so many people using dating websites you can be sure that you will be able to find the love of your life eventually if you stick around long enough!

About the Author:

Imad Atallah writes articles on Arab dating. He also writes articles about free arab dating, arab dating sites and free online dating. For more visit www.kellonaseeb.com.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/Finding-Mr-or-Mrs-Right-Through-Arab-Dating-Websites!&id=900083

Read Stories on Dating American Singles

I just had to post a press release a friend of mine (Babli) wrote on my site. Here it is:

Learn about a quest for finding love by dating American Singles.

Enter this relatively new blog on an Indian's quest for finding love in America. See how a new immigrant struggles to find happiness in the promised land. Watch how Americans react to his attempts of forging meanful relationships.

Interested in the online dating world of Indians and Americans? This blog – Dating American Singles – is just that. You will find a running story of the adventures of a young Indian in America.

Join Ashish as he moves from episode to episode and tries to find love by dating American singles. Whether you laugh at him or cry with him, you will learn to like this strange exotic creature just over from the East. As this new man takes his first steps into an American new world, take those steps with him and get a new and unique perpective on America in general and on dating American singles in particular.

Follow Ashish as he tubles into and out of love affiars and hope (along with him) that he will find the woman he is looking for. Dating American Singles has never been tackled from this angle, and you will gain valuable insight on the many things we do as individuals when dating or otherwise.

SO – What do you think?

Top 10 US Cities for Dating American Singles

I just had to post this survey I found. It's hilarious, I think:



A just-released study ranks the U.S. Cities (MSA's) based on the number of available, single, rich women in each city. Includes dating ranking of all U.S. cities.



The Top Ten Cities in the United States in which to find a rich, single woman are the subject of a new study released today by Teasley, a Manhattan-based company that specializes in helping marketers and advertising agencies use data and analysis to improve their marketing.



Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the study which is based on data from the United States Census (provided by GeoLytics), uses statistical analysis and incorporates various wealth and cost-of-living factors as well as data about available single males and females. Cities that scored high in the rankings have high single-female to single-male ratios and higher income to cost-of-living ratios.



The top cities in the U.S. for dating American singles and in which to find a rich, single man include the Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, and even Hartford, CT.



The top ten U.S. cities in which to find a rich, single woman are:



1. Washington DC/Baltimore, MD

2. New York City, NY

3. Boston, MA

4. Atlanta, GA

5. Chicago, IL

6. Philadelphia, PA

7. Detroit, MI

8. Raleigh/Durham, NC

9. Hartford, CT

10. Milwaukee, WI



The complete report, including a ranking of all U.S. cities can be downloaded at: Teasley.net/free_stuff.htm



If you are interested in reading the entire thing, and of finding more about dating american singles and where to find the attractive and rich ones – go there – it's great.

Make A Date For St. Valentine's Day

If you are seeking marriage, love, dating, companionship, a soulmate, friendship, online romance or just a penpal, then visit One World Singles. It is one of the coolest places to meet the nicest singles from around the world. An all inclusive site. All colors, ages (18+) religions, ethnicities and lifestyles. Browse through thousands of profiles, upload your own photo and personal details, see who is online, meet your soul mate, instant messaging and begin having fun!

Happy searching for that special love.

What do you do when Fate Comes Along?

We met outside the restaurant and I was a bit taken aback. She was wearing a pink flowery blouse and shiny black pants that ended just above her ankles. Her hair was tied up in a a loose bun, and strands of silky hair fluttered in the breeze.





But it was her ankles that had got my attention. She was wearing a chanka / a silver anklet that made soft sounds as she moved.



Noticing that I was staring at them, she said, "Like them? I bought them on a whim from a cute little paan shop near Dharamsala but had never worn them before. "



"So why now?"



She stuttered.



Realising my slip of the tongue, I continued, "I was just hoping you would say that it was for me… reminds me of home…"



Her eyes lit up and she shrugged like a little girl caught stealing a cupcake from the fridge. She nudged me sleepishly.



We stood there in silence. I tried hard to think of something to say, but dammit – I couldn't think of even one subject. Oh – I did use one – "becoming cold now – isn’t it?"



An elderly lady wandered between us and broke off the silence. "You two look alike. Are you brother and sister?"



"No," I replied a bit disturbed that it would seem like that, but then Lia continued, " that has never happened to me… I think it's a good sign."



Sign of what I wonder.



In the car, a red toyota that had seen better days, we had no problem striking up a conversation. Maybe the darkness helps me overcome my shyness and I can let go more easily than before.



As we approached the ticket counter, I took out my purse and went to buy the tickets but she stopped me. "I suggested we see the movie so I will pay."



We argued to and fro – and finally we agreed on the following deal: she would pay for the movie and I would pay for the restaurant later.



Suddenly, some guy approached us and began talking to her. It seemed that they were friends and he was passing by. He slapped me on my back and said, "Man – do you know how long I haven't spoken to her?"



I wanted to answer – so nice for you. Lets continue the tradition!



He stuck to us and began to talk of things that I haven't a clue about: baseball, college and something called Passion, which I managed to figure out was some kind of TV show.



I felt lost and small. I began to have doubts about myself – how will we get along? We barely talked outside the bakery and then even in the car – it was mostly about her trip to India. Is that all I can offer her? A sentimental journey to the east?



I wonder – when you Americans see us, what do you see? Do you see something exotic or just another normal person?

Please comment and tell me!

Only when we had to enter, did he stop talking and I was grateful. "Sorry," Lia said, "I used to work around here and I know a lot of people here."



"No problem," I answered. "It didn't disturb me." I was trying to show that I was "cool" about the whole intrusion, but maybe I shouldn't have. I felt a wave of distaste swarm over her complexion.



The movie was not really good – the regular song-dance-fighting hindi scene, but she seemed to like it. Like all Hindi movies, it was a long thing – 3 and a half hours.



As we walked out, I was about to suggest a nice quiet café,but she said, "Ajay, do you mind if we postpone the restaurant? I am pooped and I need to work tomorrow?"



Maybe it was that remark about the intrusion, or maybe it was something else – I really don't know, but I can't understand it. An American friend said that it was because I didn't kiss her goodnight.



Why?



I didn't not because I didn't like her, but it just seemed odd doing it so soon. Is there something wrong with me? Or is the "glamour" or "exotic" feeling she might have received being with me – no longer there?



I have called her up a few times since and we have talked for short periods of time – but the same problem arises: what the hell do I say? I wrote conversational subjects and even wrote exact sentences – but they don't seem to evolve into anything.

I am scared – Should I ask her out?

What if she says no? Maybe, she is not interested…