Dating in the ’90s isn’t always easy. One may wonder where to go to meet the right person. When you actually meet someone that you would be interested in, you wonder how you should act. After you date this person for a while you wonder how to keep their attention. Well, now there are books for males and females that give the rules on dating. ‘The Rules’ is a book by two women that are trying to teach females how to catch a husband. Some of these rules are: don’t talk to a man first (and don’t ask him to dance), don’t call him and rarely return his calls and don’t accept a Saturday night date after Wednesday. These rules sound a little harsh and you’re probably saying to yourself, ‘I’d never even have a date if I followed these rules.’ Well, the authors of this book say these rules have been passed on through generations of single females who have found Mr. Right and married him.I have been single for over a year now and have been practicing the rules. I work at a bar so I have the opportunity to meet all different kinds of men. I’ve tried the rules on many of my male friends that seem to like the challenge-type girls. I feel that some of the rules are very effective, such as don’t see him more than once or twice a week, don’t try to change a man, and be honest but mysterious.I think these are good rules because you are going into the relationship with no expectations and have a life outside of it. But there are some rules in this book that aren’t for everyone, such as don’t stare at men or talk too much. Eye contact is obviously essential to get his attention. If you don’t talk to a lot of men, how are you ever going to know if that guy is for you?Never fear, males! ‘The Code’ gives you the male perspective on dating rules. The book tells you how to get what you want from a woman without marrying her. It gives you examples of how to wine and dine a woman and let her do all the talking. After a few dates of taking these women out to dinner and to concerts, ‘The Code’ states you should make her risotto with clams and asparagus. Don’t worry guys, the recipe is in the book. It also tells you how to romance her into bed with you after the dinner.I feel this book is ridiculous. Women don’t want men who are trying to rush them into bed after a few dates. Women also don’t want to do all the talking on the first few dates. ‘The Code’ is a book training guys to be jerks. I’m happy to say most of my guy friends don’t act this way.’The Code’ and ‘The Rules’ are both making dating a lot harder than it is! I think people need to just be themselves and stop worrying about what everybody else thinks. If you’re single and trying to find the right person, I suggest you get involved in a lot of different activities. Don’t waste your time and money on these types of books. Don’t get me wrong, they are entertaining but definitely not going to help you find the right person. If you’re looking to do just that, go out as much as possible with your friends and enjoy spring quarter. You just never know. When you least expect it, your permanent date may be right in front of you.
Jennifer Trassare is a junior majoring in journalism from Strongsville, Ohio, who wants all the single people on this campus to go out as much as possible and enjoy spring quarter!
