Also, you are not obligated to do anything because he's paid for a meal or two. Don't feel obligated to pay for the tip, to sleep with him, to make him dinner or reciprocate anything in any way. Your attention and company are enough.

What do "date" and "dating" mean to you? Define dating for yourself. Do you want to date several different partners? Do you just want someone to share time and events with but without becoming more deeply involved? Are you looking for a potential lover or life mate? If dating for you is a precursor to a committed relationship, including marriage, then rules and standards should reflect what you are looking for in a mate.

Set the standards for a possible life partner:

Define the words fun, diversion, enjoyable, likable, compatible, matching personal values, etc. How do your definitions match up with those of the person you are dating?

Define the word commit. What do you consider to be a committed relationship? Is your potential partner on the same page?

Decide when the dating relationship is exclusive. Are you dating only each other? Being exclusive normally comes into play when there's a sexual attachment. If you are exclusive, you are giving yourself 100%. Be sure the guy is worthy of you and your attentions and reciprocates your devotion.

Define your boundaries. What are your boundaries? Cancel a date once and the guy will have to move mountains to have a second chance? Fail to call when he says he will and you move on?

If you are used to coddling men when they behave poorly, then you are probably reading this because it hasn't been working for you. Embrace self-respect! You are worthy of being in a mutually loving and respectful relationship. Use these guidelines to become more aware of what you want from your dating experiences and potential mates and accept nothing less.