Dates.

So, for some strange reason I have suddenly been asked out a lot. Okay, not a ton, but 0 dates for 3 months and then 3 dates in a week and 2 more dates already planned is kinda a big difference. And it's been quite interesting as I haven't done anything different. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Oh well.  Maybe someday it'll be more exciting.

But I wanted to write some of my pet peeves about dates. Hopefully none of the boys I've been on dates with will ever read this (I'm pretty sure I'm safe...) I used to not care as much, but Matt spoiled me rotten and now I am super picky about things that guys do:

I HATE when guys read their text messages and check their phone on a date. Really? Really. Matt would NEVER do this to me, he was always extremely considerate about that, from our very first date.

I really dislike when boys don't really listen to what I have to say. I mean, if you're really interested in me, then you should probably care about my personality, my opinions, and the things that make me happy. And really? Listen to the answer when you ask a question, please don't interrupt before I'm finished talking. And when you ask a question a few minutes after I already answered it, it really seems like you're not listening at all. Matt was such a good listener. He taught me so much about that. We could talk for hours and I loved it!

Please don't walk in front of me when we're on a date. How inconsiderate is that? That is one of my pet peeves in anything. I hate walking in front of people when I'm with them so I make a conscious effort to walk beside them no matter who I'm with. So boys, you should too, especially on a date!

Explain what we're doing so I don't feel super lost and we park and you get out of the car and I have no idea what is going on.

Introduce your friends (or family members) to me when we're doubling with them. It makes things a little less awkward for me.

And don't laugh under your breath at things I say. If you honestly think I'm ridiculous, I totally understand, but don't ask me out for a second date. It makes me feel humiliated during the date then super confused when you continue to show interest. Have I just lost all ability to read boys? Maybe so.

I guess it is just a respect thing. I can totally feel when a guy really respects me and cares about how I'm feeling verses a guy that just does the "etiquette" things he has been taught (aka opens the doors for me). Guys, when you're taking a girl out pay attention to her! Not the music on the radio, not the text messages from your friends, not the surroundings, not the other people you're with. Obviously don't make it super uncomfortable and creepy, but make her feel like you respect her and are honestly trying to make her have fun. Even if you're embarrassed or nervous. And when you don't show that on a date but then continue to ask her out and show interest, it creates quite the mess of confusion and mixed signals.

As I said, Matt spoiled me. I don't think anyone will ever live up to him. He taught me how to honestly show respect for someone because of how he showed his respect and love for me. Thank you! I don't expect boys to treat me like a queen like Matt did--honestly, I don't. But there is a level of respect that is extremely helpful (and I think necessary) on a date. 

In defense of these boys, I did have a good time, and they are fun people, and I'm grateful for the effort they put into planning those dates and asking me out. It would help though, if I didn't feel confused or embarrassed or even sometimes humiliated. But hey! No big deal, right? :)