An interview with Reese
Tell us about a dating faux pas.
A blind date once spent the entire evening making me talk about me, and staring at me through dinner as if I'd hung the moon and stars just for him. We took in a movie, and he kept trying to hold my hand. And when we finally said goodnight, he tried to give me a hug and a kiss. NOTHING is a bigger turn-off than a man who attempts (worse yet, expects) physical contact without a clear signal from his date that she wants the same.
How old were you? What were you looking for?
Mid-20s, interested in a monogamous relationship, but not quite marriage.
OK. Well, close out the interview with a bit of advice.
Watch Hitch. Seriously, the movie makes some great points!
That was shorter than I expected. Is there anything else?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you don't make an effort to meet a woman and ask her out, she's not likely to end up the love of your life. Approach a woman without rehearsed lines, don't make physical contact, and then just relax.
Even if you're turned down, be a gentleman about it. Without affecting any airs, wish the woman a good night (afternoon, morning, whatever) and say good-bye politely. You never know when she might change her mind.
Remember that any woman you date is someone's daughter, and treat her with the courtesy and respect with which you'd want your own daughter treated.
Learn to listen to a woman without reciting in your own head what you're going to say next. Most women are amazed when a man knows how to listen, truly listen, without imposing his own ideas or assumptions on her. If you can flesh out the way a woman feels about whatever she's discussing (by asking a few thoughtful questions, perhaps?), you'll leave a positive and tremendous impression.
Money is great, but it isn't who you are. A gentleman who is respectful, engaging, and fun to be with will be more succesful with a quality woman than any man with money and no character. If you've got money, be discreet about it. A woman worthy of love will not wish to be "purchased".
Now that's some substantial dating advice! OK, let's try to close out the interview again with a final question: As a twenty-something woman, how does a guy get a second (or third) date with you?
Actually, any man I've ever spent much time with was the sort who was comfortable in his own shoes and could be a good conversationalist. Someone with whom I had a few things in common (different things for different relationships), could talk with about subjects as trivial as which movie to see, and as deep as existentialist philosophy. Somone who made me laugh and who didn't take himself too seriously.