The dating rules that your parents lived by are probably no longer relevant. Times have changed and although people are still the same at their core, as culture changes so do the rules of dating. To be able to stay current with the times, you sometimes have to keep a more modern approach when it comes to the dating world.

That is not to say, however, that you should ignore any morals or values that you have as far as relationships go. You should still try to stick to your principles, even if the rules have slightly changed.  Here are a few current rules for dating.  Keep them in mind when you are out there searching for a compatible partner.

1. Don’t be afraid to approach someone. Break the old girls dating rules: If you are a lady, then don’t sit back and wait for the man to come to you. Yes, men still like a chase. However, sometimes if you don’t show that you are interested then the man might never know.

2. Don’t divulge too much information too soon. You don’t want to spill your guts the first time you meet someone. Get to know them slowly and let them take the time to get to know you. You’re worth it.

3. Don’t wait to call someone back. The old rules say that you should wait for a man to call you or that you should wait a couple of days before you call a woman. However, this is also a good way to let someone that you really like take the opportunity to meet someone else.

4. Don’t think that you have to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to take your date to expensive restaurants and dinners. Instead, be creative in planning your dates. This shows that you put thought and consideration into them.

5. Don’t put too much pressure on your date. Whether you want to sleep with them or marry them, putting too much pressure on them right away will just scare them off. Let things unfold naturally.

Most of all, it’s important to be yourself. You will certainly attract more people if you are yourself instead of trying to be someone that you’re not. If you pretend to be someone else then eventually your date will figure this out and then things can get sticky and you might lose their interest all together.

One additional thing that is important is that the traditional boundaries that used to exist between cultures and race are no longer practical or customary.  So if you open your mind to this new paradigm, you might find yourself happily surprised.  If you are a white woman, you are free to find fulfillment in a relationship with a vibrant young black man. If you are a black man, you could end up engaging with beautiful Asian ladies.   So as they say… keep your options open.

Dating questions always pop up on a first date and sometimes these questions can make or break your chances of having a second one.  So what things should you ask your potential partner and what things are better left unasked right away?

First of all, asking your date about their interests, hobbies, and work are always good topics to begin with. This not only shows that you are interested in your date but it also helps you figure out whether or not you two are compatible with one another.

However, you should not ask any dating questions about your date’s previous relationships. If your date used to be married then asking how long they have been separated or divorced is fine.  It is not okay, though, to ask any more questions until your date feels comfortable enough to share them on their own.

Asking your date what their religious affiliation is, is and interesting dating question and a good way to find out if you are compatible. This is particularly true if you are looking for someone who shares similar values.

On the other hand, asking about their beliefs in the afterlife, doctrines, and other religiously oriented questions is really getting too personal too soon. Plus, on a first date these are all fairly heavy topics.

If you’re having trouble figuring out the age of your date, and this is important to you, then don’t come right out and ask how old they are.  Instead, ask leading questions that can help you figure out their age without being obvious about it.  Ask them what song they danced to at their prom, what the first movie that they saw in a cinema was, etc. These will all help you place them without being too obvious.

Lastly, if your date appears uncomfortable talking about any subject in particular then it’s best to drop that subject. You don’t want to put any pressure on your date right off the bat. This will definitely hurt your chances of getting a second date.

If you start asking a dating question that begins innocently enough and then turns awkward, then simply try to change the subject. This will make your date feel more comfortable and as a result, you will feel more comfortable as well. Plus, it will help you connect more and hopefully score you a second date.