Decoding the Dating Scene

This post comes from one of our super Sparklers, coday32, and goes out to all the Sparkler girls trying to navigate the dating scene. Enjoy!  —SparkNotes Editors

This is my unofficial date guide for all girls wondering why their man was all over the thought of going to a movie or begging you to go to that fancy restaurant, especially if he is the average, minimum wage teen boy. What follows is my interpretation of why guys choose to take you on different types of dates.

Movie Theatre: No talking, secluded, dark…yeah, not too hard to figure out where he’s going with that. Of course he may just like the popcorn but if you ask me, either persuade him to go somewhere else, or buy yourself some mints.

Movie at Home: This is a bit better. Now he probably won’t be all over your face like that guy on the vampire movie you’re watching. It could almost be romantic if he chooses the right movie. (So, maybe no vampires.) Most likely he’s just looking to relax on a nice comfy couch with you and just cuddle.

Group Date: Don’t panic but this IS a test. The acceptance of his friends and their acceptance of you are both vital to a relationship’s success. Just be yourself. Don’t treat them like your boyfriend’s friends, but people you genuinely want to be friends with yourself. It’s not a kissy-kissy smoochie-smoochie date. Just relax and have fun with some new friends. No one can have too many of those, right?

Fast Food/Just Hang Out: He wants to know you better. It’s your time to shine. Put on that smile, lighten up on the makeup, and just hang with your friend. Talk to him and even more let him talk to you, or at least pretend to listen. If you want a guy that listens, you just have to be the role model. This isn’t a romantic time, it’s a fun hang out time. Stay away from seriousness, have fun, and BE YOURSELF.

Fancy Dining: He saved up for a long time or did a lot of begging to get the money to pay for those $15.00 apiece meals. He’s really trying to make you happy here, soak it in, almost take advantage of it. You will show him you appreciate it, your smile this night will be one of his biggest rewards…or maybe that kiss he gets when he walks you to your front door, but the smile is still important.

Did I miss any? Bring them up in the comments.