1. Is she insecure?
Does she talk incessantly about past relationships? Does each
conversation eventually loop around to stories about all the guys
shes been with? Youd be better off staying home and watching the
game.
2. Is she one-dimensional?
If your date cant stop talking about her job, graduate courses or
latest workout plan, you'll be looking at your watch and feigning
an illness within the hour.
3. Art house or frat house?
What books and movies does she like? If she wrote her dissertation
on Chaucer and you spent the majority of your academic career
passed out on a beer-stained sofa she may not be the girl for
you. Do her a favor and move on.
4. To dance or not to dance?
Believe it or not, this is a major point of contention. If youre
like me and the idea of getting your groove on leaves your knees
trembling and palms sweating like a nervous schoolboy, either find
a girl who values conversation or start practicing in your
apartment with the blinds closed.
5. Does she think Im funny?
Check out past emails or jog your memory to see if she has
responded well to your particular brand of humor. And yes, our egos
are huge and delicate were working on it.
6. Proletariat or bourgeoisie?
If her dad is an oil tycoon and you love to tell people about the
12 jobs you had in high school to pay for your 84 Camaro, chances
are she wont find the cramped studio apartment and college loan
debt attractive. Leave the class struggle dating stories for
Harlequin romance novels.
7. Are her friends cool, and more importantly, will they
think Im cool?
If she cant seem to make a decision without consulting her
entourage, or if you think her friends are of suspect character, be
wary. That said, dont be above directing a little genuine kindness
at her friends.
8. Do I like the way she looks?
Seems like a no-brainer. If you havent met her in person, try to
check out a good photo and act accordingly. Dont try to be the
noble, heroic Im above caring about looks kind of guy. Find
someone whose looks you enjoy and enjoy them.
9. Is she vegetarian?
This is a logistical issue. If your idea of a fun date is to throw
some dead animal flesh on the grill, and she would rather toss a
salad, smoke a clove cigarette, and listen to Cat Stevens records,
you have a problem.
10. What is she looking for?
Is she looking for a life partner or just someone with whom she can
watch tractor pulls and write poetry? Try to discern her motives
and act accordingly, being careful not to take advantage.