img @ jamusllc.com

As we as a country grow increasingly more dependent on all things digital, it’s only appropriate that the rules of dating become more inclusive of technology as well. While we have tons of dating books discussing the etiquette that is acceptable in person and over the phone, there is the vast space called the Internet where rules just seem to go out the window. DatePro, though, is trying to stay on top of the most current trends, so here is our top 5 list of technological dealbreakers.

1) The Pocket Dial

Nothing ruins a great night like getting a post-drinks phone call from your date, eagerly picking it up, and then realizing the call was an accident, and they’re actually with their friends detailing every good (and bad) thing that happened during the date. Lock your phone, my friends.

2) Too much abbreviating

There is no way it’s that much faster for you to type 2mrrw, especially in the world of qwerty keyboards on phones. We’re all grown ups now and should act like it — and no, typing in full sentences and words isn’t stuffy, it’s grown up. Unless you’re trying to attract a Cyrus or a Bieber (let’s hope not, pedo), we should all be communicating like grown ups.

3) Over or underresponsiveness

Responding to text messages and phone calls should be done, as everything, in moderation. Sitting on your phone and responding within seconds (and then getting upset when they take a while) looks desperate and annoying. On the other hand, ignoring text messages all together can drive a person just to the brink of insane. So we’d say a five minute rule is fair.

4) Texting on a date

We are all attached to our phones these days, and being out of contact with people for a few hours seems almost impossible. However, at dinner, during a movie, and while driving (obviously) with your date, keep the phone away. Nothing shows your not listening like watching you with your eyes glued to your Blackberry.

5) Emoticonoholism

The occasional wink or smile can be sweet, sassy, sexy, and fun, but if you end every text with an obnoxious sideways face, you can bet the recipient is gonna get bored, fast. So save the tongue out Ps and super happy Ds for rare occasions. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

While we understand that it’s his JOB to look good on screen, and that many other peoples’ jobs are dependent on him LOOKING GOOD ON SCREEN, we still think that not being able to hold your own umbrella falls under the category of prissy, self-entitled man-boy. Look at the guy holding the umbrella. THAT is a man.

The point is driven home when you see photos of his female cast mates Leighton Meeter and Blake Lively holding their own non-rainbow colored umbrellas. Apparently they don’t have as much fear for the softness of their hands as Mr. Crawford.

Do you like your men manly? Do you prefer a more feminine guy or a very masculine man? Would you date Chace Crawford for his chiseled face and abs despite his little… um, quirk?

img @ photobucket

When it comes to being attractive, women sorta got dealt a better hand then men. I mean, the breasts, the hips, the butt… and all you guys have to work with is a face some gear in your pants that we don’t see until the third date. In general, women are initially drawn to a man’s stature, face, and clothing when they  first see you, but even if you don’t have the triple threat of attraction, it doesn’t mean all is lost.

The guys at the UK Ask Men (who have accents, which gives them a leg up in the hot department) came up with a pretty solid list of ways to be “irresistible” to women, and while they aren’t all failsafe, you might as well try them, you know, take all the help you can get!

1. Be confident

This one seems like a no-brainer, and yet still some men don’t take the hint. Even if you’re insecure, acting confident (note: not cocky) will improve your attractive level by so, so much.

2. Be spontaneous

Randomly sending flowers to her office, without calling or giving her notice, is a great way to show her you’re thinking about her without being over the top, and women love a guy who’ll take a risk like that without being asked!

3. Be thoughtful

Flashy, expensive gifts are not always the way to go. Although no woman would be depressed with diamonds, gifts that show you actually listen when she talks make a bigger statement. If you know she likes a certain band, buy tickets for the next time they’re in town, or a mix CD with other songs she might be interested in.

4. Be adventurous

Asking a woman on a date will generally have much higher return if you mention something exciting and fun instead of the old dinner and a movie card. Ask her to an exotic restaurant or to go rock climbing. She’ll be more inclined to say yes if she thinks you’re not boring.

5. Be classy

Women are more attracted to men who are grown ups. Ordering Bud Light everywhere you go and wearing flip flops and cargo shorts at every event is guaranteed to be a turn off. Learn a little about wine, buy a tie, and just… grow up a little. We want to have fun with you but we also want to know that you’re progressing in life.

It doesn’t take a massive life change to attract women, it’s more the little things that count. So take these small steps and you’ll be attracting women in no time.

Get more tips at UK Ask Men

img @ popsugar

It’s often assumed that all young girls dream of someday being proposed to in a grand, magnificent gesture, but this actually isn’t always true. While of course the idea that a man you love would take the time and effort to create something memorable for such a big moment in your life is a great feeling, it doesn’t change the fact that some women would prefer a quiet, romantic, and private proposal instead. So if you’re considering a public proposal, first ask yourself…

• Is she a shy, introverted person?
• Does she get uncomfortable in large crowds?
• Does she tend to keep most parts of her life private?
• Has she ever mentioned that she doesn’t want a big wedding?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may want to reconsider your grand public proposal. There are many ways to create a romantic proposal that doesn’t make her feel exploited or uncomfortable, such as making a romantic candlelit dinner at home, or while on a hike through the mountains at sunset.

Just keep in mind, the proposal is about her, and if one of her main personality traits is shyness, a public proposal could be a disaster!

img @ tvspain

You know the feeling when you’re out with your friends, and there’s just one in the group who catches your eye more than usual? Maybe you’ve known each other for years but you suddenly realized you want more than friendship between the two of you? Or perhaps you’ve been in love with them since day one, but nothing ever happened between you? This, as you know, is the friend zone. It’s boring and exciting at the same time cause you’re constantly wondering if they feel the same was as you. You’ve got to get out of this torture somehow, so why not give it a chance and try to make your friendship something more? Here are some methods that might help you get out of the friendzone.

1) Stop using friendly terms- buddy, friend, dude, man… al of these are terms you use with friends, and if you’re trying to be more than friends, this is the first step to showing them you’re tired of being platonic.

2) Get dressed! Instead of strolling out of the house in last nights makeup or sweatpants, take the time to get ready and show your best side. Maybe they’ll take a second glance this time!

3) Date other people! Instead of concentrating all your brain power on this one person, get out there and meet other people, maybe give online dating a whirl on sites like metrodate.com. Perhaps when your friend sees you getting cozy with someone else, they’ll wonder what they were waiting for!

4) Don’t go overboard. There is no reason to become someone you’re not just to impress them. In reality, you might just like them because they’re “off limits”

5) Ask them out already! Continually flirting and dreaming of being together isn’t going to get things done. On one hand, you could be missing out on moments to spend together. On the other hand, you might be barking up the wrong tree!

img @ juliaallison

Ah, to be single. You can treat it two ways: enjoy it and discover yourself, or mope and hate your life. Either way, it’s no fun being talked to in that condescending tone by those in a relationship, who somehow think that being coupled up makes them better than those who aren’t.

These “dating gurus” will always hand out “sage advice,” usually in lame little quips that we’ve all heard a million times. So if you’re single- don’t listen to these cliches, and if you’re in relationship, don’t force these on your single friends.

1) There are plenty of fish in the sea

Yes, we are fully aware of this fact. I might be a little lonely, but I am not oblivious to the massive population of the city, state, hell, EARTH around me. Using this little cliche is like telling someone who is afraid of heights that the ground is huge! Thanks for the advice, but no thanks.

2) You’re too picky!

Never true. Compromising what you truly want in a person is the only mistake you’ll make. Telling someone they’re too picky just sounds like a thinly veiled “you can’t do any better.”

3) Your time will come.

Thank you, Nostradamus, but the last thing single people want to hear is you telling them some “fact” about their love life. We’d much rather figure it out ourselves, thank you.

img @ jaquelineteo

We’ve all been told a million times, guys are simple. They like simple things, like football, and beer, and pizza, and boobs. And while that’s really stereotypical, it’s pretty true, and the simplicity of the desires men have in relationships is just about the same. They’d like a nice girl who’s pretty and goes a little wild behind closed doors. Unfortunately, there are aspects about women that men can’t stand. Just like women can’t stand when guys don’t listen, there are little habits women have that drive guys up a wall, and here are a few.

Not knowing how to cook

Guys don’t expect every woman they meet to be able to whip up a 5-star meal in 30 minutes. They do hope, though, that they can boil water and maybe concoct some simple dish that doesn’t taste like cat food. Not only does a lack of kitchen skills reek of irresponsibility, but it means they’ll be going out to eat a whole lot, and that stuff don’t come cheap!

Knocking his friends

Just as a woman never wants a guy to say he dislikes her girlfriends, neither does a guy want his girlfriend to talk about his buddies. Saying you think “Todd is a total jerk,” is basically signing yourself up to never be invited out with his friends again.

Gossiping about stuff men don’t care about

“And then he said she’s gotten fat and she walked up behind him and got super pissed, but really she has gotten a little fat and you know she kinda looks pregnant even and OMG by the way-” STOP. Guys detest drama, especially in highly concentrated doses that you save up all day at work. Call your girlfriends to gossip, or better yet, don’t do it at all.

The “nothing’s wrong” lyric

Telling your guy that “nothing’s wrong,” when something is clearly wrong, is pretty much every guy’s biggest pet peeve. They don’t want to figure out what’s wrong, they want you to tell them so they can fix it and get on with their lives. Women are far and beyond more perceptive of peoples’ emotions, so give your guy a a hand and let him know why you’re upset. Chances are they had no idea they even made you mad.

Letting yourself go

Yes, it came to this. Guys are visual creatures. They like to look at you, and although it might take a few pounds before they notice, the second they do… The last thing you want is to realize your guy isn’t sexually attracted to you, so even if it’s for your own sanity, keep a healthy lifestyle. You have to be honest with yourself and realize you’d be turned off if they put on a whole bunch of weight, so keep yourself in good shape too!

img @ tremendousnews

A Faux pas is defined as a violation of accepted social norms or etiquette rules. There are fashion faux pas, social faux pas, and political faux pas. We have found through dating experience that there are also dating faux pas that are consistently noticed on first dates. Here are a few of the worst.

1) Being indecisive

The first date can be nerve-wracking, we’ve said it a million times. The last thing you want to do is say something that will totally turn your date off. However, don’t be so afraid to state your opinion that you “don’t care” where you go to dinner and “will watch whatever” at the movies. You’ll either appear boring as hell or just very intimidated. Either way, it’s not cute. Don’t be afraid to say “no,” if you hate Thai food or Coen brothers movies (even though that’s just crazy).

2) Interrupting

Even if you’re busting at the seams to share that you LOVE pancakes too! it doesn’t mean you need to cut them off and never let them finish their statement. Interrupting constantly is one of the most irritating habits a person can have, because it just screams, “I’m more important than you!!!”

3) Being a Naysayer -or- a One-Upper

You know these people… you say you saw KISS in concert in 1989 and they say they liked KISS way before that. Or you say you once saw a pigeon eat a lizard and they demand that you’re wrong. Nobody enjoys feeling like they are uninteresting or “less cool” than you. If you tend to be either a one-upper or a naysayer, keep the negativity at home. It’s unattractive.

4) Trying too hard

Hey you, in the tux, with the flowers. Slow it down. The first date should be casual and fun, not stressful. Before you start running to open every door (or reapplying makeup every ten minutes, ladies), remember that you’re just trying to get to know each other, not trying to present yourself as something you’re not.

5) Bringing up the taboo topics

Assuming you aren’t a Southern Baptist who met their date on ChristianCafe.com, it’s probably best to avoid talking about religion,. Similarly, some topics to avoid are politics, money, or ex-boy/girlfriends. Keep the conversation light and casual, or else you could potentially ruin a great first date.

img@ salem news

Having personal space in a relationship is important, as we have discussed before, however there is an important aspect of personal space that should be analyzed further: privacy. It’s easy to fall into a rhythm in a relationship where you think it’s acceptable to be involved in every aspect of your mate’s life, and feel threatened when you aren’t. On the contrary, one of the keys to having a successful relationship is retaining some semblance of your independent life, and one of the ways to do this is keeping some parts of your life private.

Our top 3 rules for keeping your privacy in a relationship might seem tough to follow, but they’ll make your relationship healthier and your help you keep your sanity.

1. Never read each others texts or e-mails

Your partner’s phone should be off limits in general. By showing them that you trust them, you are in turn showing your trustworthiness. No matter how badly your urge, or how “sneaky” they seem to be acting, you should never take it upon yourself to play private investigator. If you suspect they’re doing something untrustworthy, mention that you feel they’ve been a little distant and shady recently.

2. Don’t ask their friends about them

If your mate is doing something shady, like cheating, or seeing their ex, the last people you should ask about it is their friends. If they do know something, you’ll make them feel incredibly uncomfortable, and if they don’t, they’ll end up going back to your mate to share that you don’t trust them. Leave their friends out of it, always.

3. Don’t snoop!

Whether it’s your girlfriend’s purse or your boyfriend’s notebook, the moment you intentionally search their things you become a threat. If they catch you, they’ll never trust you around their things again, and if they don’t, you’ll constantly have issues respecting their privacy. Don’t even let the idea tempt you- if you need something from the purse or notebook, ask them to get it for you, so they know you would never go through their things without asking.

Follow these rules and you’ll have a healthy, trust-filled relationship. And if a bill for AshleyMadison comes in the mail, you’ll be able to say, “I trusted you, and you messed up.”

img @ fotosa

We’ve all seen the Pick Up Artist, that show that supposedly teaches nerds how to pick up on women using some weird, reverse psychology that I think we all know doesn’t work. Instead, here are some rules to follow that will, if anything, portray you as a nice guy with real intentions, something that most girls don’t see every day.

1. Make eye-contact

Seriously. For God’s sake, make eye-contact. This is very attractive. If you’ve got the confidence to walk up to her, look her in the eyes. In fact, eye contact from across the room is even better, because you can show her you’re interested, and she can return the look if she is too. If she immediately averts her eyes or rolls them and walks away, don’t even waste the trip across the room. Once you get face to face, continue making eye contact. If you’re checking out her bod or looking over her shoulder, it’s a total turn off. Look her in the eyes and smile, and you’re already halfway there.

2. Don’t express interest in her and her friend

This isn’t crab fishing, sir. You shouldn’t be throwing a net out to see what you can pull in. This should be spear-fishing, you’ve got a target, you’ve been checking her out all night, now strike. If you approach her and notice she has an equally attractive friend, don’t start flirting with both of them. Not only does it look like you’re a player, but it also negates the most important rule, to make her feel special.

3. Be friendly

Sure, the mysterious guy is always alluring, so a little bit of intrigue should be apparent in your conversation, but if you’re a normal guy with a normal life who isn’t a CIA operative, just talk like a normal person. Women can see right through the “mysterious” approach, I promise you. Make friendly conversation, and remember what you talk about. Nothing turns a girl off like you asking her where she’s from 22 times.

4. The power of touch

Once you’ve got her roped in with interesting conversation, it’s time to embrace the power of touch. A light touch on the arm or leading her by the small of her back is understated, yet sexy. Straight up groping her in the middle of a bar? Dealbreaker.

5. Make her feel special

There is a very exact equilibrium that should be attained when flirting with a woman. Too heavy handed with the compliments and you’ll come off shallow and annoying. Not enough compliments and you’ll seem arrogant and uninterested. By mixing compliments with a listening ear and a friendly smile, you’ll be back to her apartment in no time.