I was just reading an article on The Frisky about dating advice. Now, I have to say of all the real and online magazines aimed at women the Frisky is IMO one of the worst. The writing itself isn't bad, it's the content that consistently borders on the inane to just flat out wretched.
Miracuously this time they got it right. Most dating advice is not only contradictory but flat out bad.
So let's hear it, what is the worst or most contradictory dating advice you have ever heard from friends and family?
I used to get a lot of:
Miracuously this time they got it right. Most dating advice is not only contradictory but flat out bad.
People give advice based on their own experiences. What works for them has got to work for you too, right? Like following a cake recipe, if you follow the right steps, you’ll get the end result you want. Except dating is nothing like baking and there’s no “right” way when it comes to matters of the heart. I watched “He’s Just Not That Into You” this weekend (out tomorrow on DVD) and if there’s a takeaway from that movies it’s this: everyone has a dating tale that is an exception to another person’s rule. Which is why all of the advice I’ve been getting has been making my head spin.
ADVICE: Don’t Hook Up Casually
ADVICE: Hook Up Whenever You Want
ADVICE: Just Don’t Give A Crap
ADVICE: Be Upfront About Your Feelings
ADVICE: Don’t Be That Upfront About Your Feelings
ADVICE: Don’t Listen To Us. We Don’t Know What We’re Talking About.
My friend Elle* been married for two years and with her husband for over seven. “Amelia,” she said, “Don’t listen to what anyone says. I haven’t dated in years. I don’t know what it’s like to date now, and even if I did, what works for me, may not work for you. Just do what feels right.” She did have one piece of advice that finally made sense. “Dating is tough,” she said. “When things don’t work out, don’t put the blame on yourself.” Now those are some wise words that apply to both the exceptions and the rules.
I used to get a lot of:
- "You have to learn to love yourself first."
- "Be yourself"
- "You're too nice, be a bitch. Men love bitches."
- "Stop looking for The One, that's when you will find him." This always comes from somebody who has been blissfully married for 10, 20, 50 years. e.g. someone who has forgotten how to date. :tongue:
- "You should get a weave."
- "You should just cut your hair short and wear it natural in an afro."
- "Wear big clunky earrings, men like shiny things"
- "Just wear diamond studs, cause men like shiny things."
- "Hang out at sporting events, cause men like sports and women who like sports."
- "Only date professional men i.e. doctors, lawyers, dentists, chiropractors"
- "Only date men who graduated from Big 10 or Ivy League schools"
- "Only date men who are blue collar workers"