11 Commandments of Dating... Supposedly

I recently came across Patti Stangers 11 Commandments to Dating. For those who do not know, Patti has a popular tv show on Bravo called "The Millionaire Matchmaker." She is considered an expert in the field of dating (yes, we are considering dating a field here) so I thought I would review my thoughts on her commandments and see just how well I am doing. For fun, I even decided to rate myself on a scale of 1 to 5. 5 being I rocked that rule, 1 being change now! So, here we go: 11 Commandments of Dating or as I see it, 11 Reasons Why I am Single.

1. Thou Shall Return Calls in a Timely Manner
Always return a potential love interest's call within 48 hours during the week (72 hours over the weekend).
Do people still do the whole wait three days rule? Guys: chicks hate this rule! If you like us, Call us!Text us! Email us! Send a carrier pigeon! Come to think of it, I can't remember the last time I had an actual phone conversation with someone I was interested in, mostly texts...I will be scolded for that later...

My Score: 5 (...if I am interested...)

2. Thou Shall Honor Your Commitments
Don't be a flake. If you make plans, keep them.
I am guilty of this, the whole canceling thing. I didn't even think twice about it until it happened to me. After weeks of talking (on the phone even!) and anticipation, the guy canceled 1 hour before we were supposed to go out with a crappy, yet to be explained excuse. I decided then and there I would never flake out again.. well, with first dates anyways.

My Score: 5

3. Thou Shall Let the Man Take the Lead
Let the man be the hunter. Let him call you first. Let him ask you out.
What happened to the feminist movement where you were told if you want something go after it? What if he is shy? What if he really liked me but lost my number? What if he has been hurt before and is scared to put himself out there? What if I totally sound like every woman waiting to be called?

My Score: 2 (seems I need to cut back on my hunting and work on my gathering...)

4. Thou Shall Leave History in the Past
So... bad mouthing my ex while talking about all my past medical and financial problems is a bad idea? Hmm. Good to know... I kid.I kid.

My Score: 4

5. Thou Shall Be Focused and Positive
Be engaging. Answer his questions. Keep your attention on him. Ask questions. Banter. Listen with eye contact.
I'm sorry, what were we talking about? I had my eyes closed

My Score: 5 (I can fake interest like the best of them)

6. Thou Shalt Not Drink Too Much
(sheepishly puts away my beer funnel)

My Score: 4 if I'm on a date, 1 if we happen to run into each other out.

7. Thou Shalt Not be a Gold Digger
Do not ever ask for anything of monetary value. He is your potential soul mate, not your bank.
Wait, are there actual women out there asking for money or their bills to be paid? If so, STOP IT! You're making the rest of us hard working women look bad. Don't you know you wait till you trick them into marrying you and then you spend their money???

My Score: 5 (Kanye wasn't singing about me!)

8. Thou Shall Act Like a Lady
I typically do pretty good a not burping, farting or scratching myself in public, so I think I am good here. That being said, I haven't met a dirty joke I didn't like, a drinking challenge I haven't attempted, and I have been known to tell my fair share of inappropriate stories, so maybe I will brush up on this one a little...

My Score: 3 (So, two hookers walk into a bar...)

9. Thou Shall Show Sincere Appreciation and Interest
Also remember the 4:1 Rule—once he takes you out four times, do something nice for him!
Wow, I am a cookie baking, dinner making slut, because I would have never thought to wait 4 dates before I did something nice for a guy.

My Score: 5? (do I count against myself for my eagerness to do something nice?)

10. Thou Shalt Not Give Nookie on the First Date
No sex or sexual favors before monogamy.
So I should find a new dating coach other than Fred Durst (hello, calling 1999) who famously said "I did it all for the nookie, yah, the nookie?" Well...I don't know what to say here beside, you can take that cookie and stick it up your... OK, OK while Fred Durst is a lyrical genius (HAHA), a dating mentor he is not... (and yes, I can break out into that song at anytime at the drop of the hat)

My Score: 3 (don't judge me)

11. Thou Shall Break the Text Habit
Told you I was going to be scolded for it later. So yes,my name is Jamie, and I am a textaholic. My last cell bill lied and said I sent 1987 texts last month. Yes, one THOUSAND nine hundred and eighty seven. I am not embarrassed to admit that a decent amount of those texts may or may not have been used on a few fellas I had my eye on... that nothing came out of... Ok, maybe I am slightly embarrassed.

My Score: -1987

So there you have it... the 11 Commandments of Dating. While most of them seem like common sense, like not asking for money, and being attentive while on your date, some of them still are wide open for debate. I am still not sure if I am on board with the whole let the man be the hunter thing.. I mean what if his last hunting trip left him really hurt and he is really scared to hunt again?