Friday, April 9th, 2010 | Posted by Blake

Rule 1: There Are No Rules

We have all noticed the plethora of books and articles dedicated to women on how to get a date, how to make a man like you, and how to act when on a date. I can’t deny that I have scrolled through these instruction manuals, but I also can’t deny how frustrated I am by the implications of such publications: why do we have to act and dress a certain way in order to abide by these strict dating guidelines? There are no books called “How to Make a Woman Call You,” because, unfortunately, that would be considered weird. Society has, undeniably, put forth the notion that women are to behave a certain way in order to receive the attention they deserve and desire.

Browsing through MarieClaire.com, I came across yet another article about the rules of dating. As I clicked the link, I caught myself in a quick prayer: “Please, do not say girls can’t be the first to contact the guy.” Either God was ready to please, or people out there realize it’s 2010. This special book expresses that women shouldn’t have to act any way other than what is natural and comfortable in order to land in a healthy relationship.

This article, “The New Dating Rules,” discusses Julie Klausner’s new book, “I Don’t Care About Your Band,” a book about how being yourself will get you the man you ought to be with. My response: DUH! What took you so long, Julie?

If I am ever to recommend a book on dating to someone in need, it will be this one. As obvious as the text may seem, it is brilliant, and clearly not so obvious – this book is one of a kind. One of my favorite lessons Julie discusses is: “If he likes you, you can do no wrong; if he doesn’t, you can do no right.” I am making a permanent mental note of this. I will paint it on the walls if I must. After all, how many times have we said something to a guy where we figure we ruined it? Only about a million…

Finally, a good book of strong advice. This is a book that asks females to be who they innately are in order to attract the proper partner. This is a book that puts us in control; after all, we are in control of our lives. Could this be an easier recipe for love? I think not!

Bravo, Julie (and Marie Claire), for being the first to see the fabulous truth of not-so-fabulous dating.