Our editors carefully select every product. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn More.

The Modern Dating Game – Seven Rules of Dating Every Guy Must Follow

Ask any man about the key to a successful date and you will get some interesting answers.

For most guys, first date dialogue is more like a scripted job interview. If you want your first date together to turn into a long-term relationship, make sure you follow the following top ten rules of dating.

It Pays to Play by the New Rules!​

Well, the dating game is a bit tricky. Until you meet that ‘person,’ numerous thoughts would be popping inside your head. Will it be fun? Will it be adorable or deplorable? Will my heart be warmed with romance?

rules of dating

"You need to understand that the rules of the game have changed and you can use them to your advantage. .."

That said there are certain things you can do to make your dating successful. And you need to understand that the rules of the game have changed and you can use them to your advantage. That’s right. You can win the game if you are willing to play by the new rules of dating​

Seven Rules of Dating Every Men Must Follow

Women checking out Men

Congratulations … you now have the chance to get into a full-fledged relationship however; you have to get through the dating phase.

Are rules of dating going to change now that you are officially dating someone? Should you check out the woman? Think about it. Here’s another interesting question. How should you be looking at her without making it too obvious?

Well it’s easy to be caught up with usual staring, but you need to remember you are being scrutinized too. Yes, dressing sharp can increase the chance of bagging the second date.

Of course women don’t stare at guy’s bodies to check out what’s on offer, but they do spend time looking at a man’s clothes and even shoes. So, make sure you make the most of your assets and don’t be shy about using your slim-fit jeans to show off the leg days at the gym.

If you’re wearing the same t-shirt you got as the result of mailing 6 cereal box coupons; don’t be surprised if the lady rates you as “non-date material!”​

Check your attitude because: It will primarily radiate attraction or deflection.

Women are impressed by ambitious men and they hate the arrogant ones. If you can ask your lady about her work, dreams, interests and hobbies, you should be willing be humbly share your story with her.

Remember when it comes to the most obvious rules of dating, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

You should speak of your accomplishments in a perspective that is of interest to her and never go overboard. Occasionally you can be a showoff but most talking needs to be done subtly, and not in a flashy or showy mode.​

Date questions can get awkward so check out this video by ThinkTank to know more about the questions you need to ask on the first date:​

Etiquette matters too!

You don’t need to be soft spoken every single time you’re going out. But one of the easiest ways to get your lady want you more is by being polite, courteous and respectful.

​Etiquettes here mean you open the door for the lady (this includes your car door, as well as doors at the restaurant or your apartment), don’t walk in front of her and do not clean your teeth with your key in front of her.

On a separate note, if you need to floss your teeth, just excuse yourself.

Eating etiquette is important so make sure you eat at the right pace and do not gulp your food. Last, no matter what happens, you should never swear during the conversation.​

What you say should not sound like screeching brakes

Starting a conversation on a first date in particular is scary. After all, you cannot predict what she wants you to say.

You can start with asking ‘rather safe’ questions – about her work, interests. This way you can gain a bigger and more importantly, a better picture of who she is. Hobbies, and even movies and books are usually good conversation starters and go well with modern “rules of dating.” But maybe you shouldn’t refer to the “Godfather” as the “best film of all time.”

Or at least don’t insist on giving a vivid ‘75 minute’ explanation of the craziest shooting scenes in the film.

Yes, movies and TV shows are a good talking point, but you shouldn’t brag about knowing too much. Also, you need to learn to respond appropriately. If your date says she’s not interested in movies, it’s time to move on to some other topic. Contrary to what most men believe, women don’t only want to talk about themselves. They are interested in knowing what’s going on with you.

So instead of complimenting her good looks, talk about what you want to achieve in life. Expressing your dreams will help her gain some useful insight into you. In fact, she’ll love the fact that you can open up to her.

Appearance-Based Compliments need to be Non-Creepy! Complimenting a woman on her dress, smile or hair is a safe conversation starter. But you should remain non-invasive. Remember, not every woman would be comfortable with your attention to detail. In fact this is just creepy, weird and some might even consider it crossing the line.

So, you should only broaden your compliment range once you know a woman well and have a good understanding of her comfort levels.​

Check out this video by Michael Valmont to know the right way to compliment a woman:

She has a mind of her own

Women have brains and it’s about time you realize that modern rules of dating accommodate this.

Yes, many women want their partners to plan everything but there are some who want to have a say about where to go or what needs to be done. And the older women get, the more outspoken and confident they become with their own choices.

You can always tell more about the best dining places or the must-haves, but there’s a strong chance that the lady knows how to read the menu.

The bottom line is that you should let her pick what she wants to eat. She’d still want a chivalrous guy, so open the door and follow her.​

Don’t say negative things about other women

Rules of Dating

Why do some men fail right away? Because they cannot smell the jealousy trap and fall for it.

Your lady might tend to say many negative things about other women. Of course, she may have strong reasons, but there would be occasions where she’s just jealous.

Instead of putting that woman through a series of question that would make any investigative officer look like chump, refrain from making any comments about other ladies.

Some woman might use these negative comments to know more about you or get a better idea of your true ‘LOVE’ DNA, so it’s better to refrain from making any sort of comments on the subject.

Control the Sarcasm

Your funny bone might be tickling during the conversation, but new rules of dating state that you should not try to make everything sarcastic, humorous or a punch line. This however, doesn’t mean you should ‘kill’ your sense of humor. Women love men who are willing to make the effort to bring a beautiful smile to their faces.

All you have to do is control the humor.

Conclusion

Hope this post gives you a little, if not a lot of help to slay the dating game. Remember, if you’re going out tonight; just make sure you follow the recommendations mentioned herein and give your best shot.

What do you think?

Written by Terrence Kennedy

Terrence Kennedy is the man’s man on a journey to self-discovery. A traveler, extreme sports aficionado, an observant wanderer, a DIY-Know-How, an ultimate outsider and a documentarist of culture, sex, dating, relationship, fashion, style and gentleman's etiquette. He has learned a lot through his escapades, and is happy to pass that knowledge on to you.