When it comes to casual dating, I am pretty low maintenance. I don't own a copy of The Rules. I don't make ridiculous, impossible checklists for things like height, education or profession. And I don't have unreasonable expectations for perfection or mind-reading capabilities.
This is real life, not a Cameron Crowe flick.
I do, however, make a few basic assumptions when I decide to go out with a guy. I assume that by his late twenties, a man should know three things: how to dress, how to kiss, and how treat me like a girl. Notice I didn't say "treat me like lady." Because the obvious is that a man should always be respectful of his date. But what may be less obvious is that he should also be aware of the distinct differences between his date... and one of his buddies. Allow me to illustrate.
Example 1: The A-Game
Sometime late last summer, I went on a couple of dates with an attractive, well-spoken, and charming entrepreneur we'll call Drew. Drew tended to ask me out for Thursday evenings, and yet, still be a little miffed when I wanted to be home by midnight. Not to be my mother, but it's a school night! After a full day in the office, a full evening on the town can be a lot of effort.
For what would have been our third date, and as an invitation to meet his friends, Drew left me a voicemail one afternoon.