Dating 101

I have questions.

I need answers.

first off, how does dating REALLY work? is there more than one way to do it? is there a "right" way or a "wrong" way? what are the "no-no's" and what are the "must-do's"?

for real!

a running joke that i have with some of my gfs is that i don't have a problem GETTIN 'em; it's KEEPIN 'em that's the problem. 

-______-

so how does one go from gettin 'em TO keepin 'em? ya'll- let me know SOMEthin, because apparently, yours truly has been following the wrong directions, and i'm lost than a mofo.

let me be clear, i realize that there are some SELF things that has caused the demise of some of my past potential relationships. there's no denying that. but i also know that i know what i want, i know what i will and what i won't tolerate, and i know what i expect from a person that calls themselves being interested in me. 

with that being said:

• is there a such thing as being "too picky"?
• is it unreasonable for me to lose interest if all of my needs aren't being met? (or MOST of them, at least?)
• what is a realistic time frame for one to know whether or not it's going anywhere? IS there a realistic time frame?
• how important is it to make your "expectations" (for lack of a better word), known, and/or find out what theirs are? i.e. if you know you're looking for something long-term, is there an appropriate time to make that known? is there an appropriate time to then ask what theirs are? or is that putting you at risk of scaring the other person off?

bottom line: i'm not here to waste my time, or anyone else's. i'm not here for anyone to waste my time either. however, i realize that patience is a virtue, and have worked diligently on being patient with others, and especially with myself. 

i gotta whooooooooooooooole lotta love to give, but i'm not trying to give it to the wrong person (again).

talk to me!