Dating Signs (Anti-Red Flags)

[gratitude28]

I like this article... I had been thinking about this lately. I have a good and kind husband and I was trying to remember the things he did when we dated that let me know it was OK to go forward with him. Hope someone gets something out of this.
XO Beth

#1: He’s kind to the wait staff/taxi driver/doorman.
Does he thank the parking attendant as he hands over his keys? Make polite small talk with not only the waiter but the busboys, too? Consider that your good-guy alert. “A man who can treat people well no matter what their income level or ‘station’ in life will treat you in a more considerate way, no matter what your profession,” says Dianne Daniels, an image consultant in Norwich, CT. The guy who considers himself above the taxi driver or doorman, on the other hand, may soon act like he’s better than you (or your profession or your family). Plus, you’ll always feel mortified about his hideous manners. And if your date is gracious about a mishap (from his burned steak to that nick on his car), give him extra points: He’s likely to stay calm under all kinds of relationship pressure.

#2: He could pass for Jon Stewart.
Meaning: Instead of blathering on about himself, he asks smart questions that don’t come off as probing. And if, like a certain late-night host, he happens to be cute, smart and quick with a self-deprecating one-liner, marry the guy! But seriously: A guy who asks you questions rather than reciting his resume is “someone who is capable of caring about someone else,” says Sherman. On the other hand, she adds, “If you can’t get a word in edge-wise, either the guy is narcissistic or very insecure.”

Having gone out with both types, Kelly Jeffrey, 25, of Fountain Hills, AZ, now knows to tune her radar to what she calls The Ratio: how much he talks about you versus himself. “If he’s an active listener and follows up on questions he asks you, you know he’s genuinely interested and not just going through the motions,” she says. “Besides, the communications skills become oh-so-handy later on!”

#3: His cell is off.
Unless he’s an on-call surgeon or volunteer fireman, that Nokia should be nowhere in sight. “If he takes casual calls during your date, he has other priorities, and you may always come in second,” warns Daniels. Ask yourself this: Do you want to get involved with a guy who can’t go two hours without talking to his broker? Or his buddies? Or his ex?

For sure, lots of us take calls 24/7. But that’s why a guy’s refusal to text or yak during your date is so telling. “It implies you are more important than a random call, and he wants to be fully present for your night out,” says Daniels. Bottom line: He’s not the kind of guy who’s always hoping for better plans to come along.

#4: He mentions his mom (in passing).
“In passing” is the operative phrase here. Why? You want to know he has a strong relationship with the woman who gave him life (if he gets along well with her, he’s more likely to respect women in general, Sherman notes), but isn’t scary close to Mom.

So unless you see yourself asking for a table for three — you know, because she’s always along — keep your antennae tuned for the guy who considers his mother his #1 girl. (Bad signs: He brags that she used to be a beauty queen. Or mentions that they love taking cruises together.) And do we need to remind you of the big-picture danger of dating a mama’s boy? “You may one day have an intrusive mother-in-law,” says Sherman. “If he’s joined to the hip, he’s less likely to defend you or come to your rescue.” Do you want to turn into the wife from Everybody Loves Raymond? Thought not.

#5: He doesn’t mention that his watch is a Rolex.
Or that he made a killing in the real-estate market. Or how much his Mini Cooper set him back. “Guys who talk about how much things cost, especially to a virtual stranger, are basically insecure,” says Terri Sloane, a matchmaker and relationship coach in New York City. “They use money as a hook to catch women.” But you’re not landed that easily, right? Remember, Sloane adds, just because a guy spends a lot of money on himself, doesn’t mean he’ll lavish it on his girlfriend. In fact, people who have to tell you the price of everything are often cheap.

Ask Christie Rivers, 31, of San Francisco, her number-one first-date red flag, and she doesn’t hesitate: Bragging about expensive purchases or experiences, such as travel, she says. “On more than a few occasions, guys have name-dropped all the exotic and expensive places they’ve vacationed. They’re basically shallow and insecure. What a turn-off!’”

#6: He gazes at your face.
That’s instead of your décolletage, the mirror behind your head, or the 16-ounce porterhouse on his plate. “A man who focuses on your eyes when you’re talking may be looking for a deeper connection,” says Daniels. “By paying particular attention to your face and therefore giving himself the ability to pick up your verbal and non-verbal cues, he’s telling you that understanding you is important to him.”

Worst of all is that first-date who can’t help but check out every model type who trots by. It may be normal guy behavior — leftover from the cavemen past — but if he can walk upright, he can keep it in check while courting you. “If his eye wanders on your first date, imagine how his eyes will wander once he gets to know you,” says Sloane. “Buyer beware.”

[isittoolate]

Sorry Beth, but that is far ioo much for me to read!--with these old eyes--can you just post it?

You must have copied it from somewhere?

xxx-- 
Izzy

[gratitude28]

Here is the link:

http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspx?articleid=7286&TrackingID=516311&BannerID=544657&menuid=6&GT1=9066


There is also a good one for men looking for women. Both can be found on today's home msn page.

[Leah]

Gosh .... don't think I want to date ..... ever!

Just read the list and it all reads wonderful ... however ....

I recall how my xnh would .... open doors for me ... walk on the outside near roadside to protect me .... etc etc

and he turned out to be my Shining Knight in Nism 

Caution:   N's can read this list too (match.com is a dating site) ....... and "Be the Guy You want to see" !!!

Reality and 'gut' instinct .... my best friend.

((( Leah )))

[Hopalong]

Leah, I'm so enormously grateful for the same realization:

Reality and 'gut' instinct .... my best friend.

Some realities are painful to face, but the consequences of not listening to our inner instincts are even worse...

Our intuition IS part of reality.

(Like your new name, btw...)

Hops

[Leah]

((( Hops ))) ...... yes, oh yes, definitely.

Some realities are painful to face, but the consequences of not listening to our inner instincts are even worse...

Our intuition IS part of reality

Thank you too Hops.

((( Leah )))