Tim - glad you had a good time - I hope that you used our conflicting advice to some benefit
Apopogies to Heather and Irena who perhaps need a winkie face to see a bit of sarcasm. Although I honestly don't believe in following advice from girls on dating - it never worked out for me - I didn't mean to sound harsh and I absolutely meant no disrespect. Many who know me here or in person know that I don't mince words much... and if I'm intending to actually be mean, you'll know. You'll also be happy to know that I haven't wanted for a gf for about 10 years and have been dating the same girl for 2+ years thanks to my methods (even though I still offer the "date-o-vac" to friends in need).
As for the sissy bit, if I had a hairier chest, I'd wear a medallion all that time. In my expereince, the nice guy finishes somewhere in the middle, the real jerk finishes last, but the unintentional a$$hole is the winner. Honestly, I'm a bit too type-A to leave dating up to a circle - in the early stages at least, I want control. If you really are a sap (and most guys are), there is time for that later on - not straight out of the box. Age might be a factor here.
Money for dinner vs. flowers: in my world, roses are about $50, boxed ($80 in vase), the guy down the street will sell you flowers (including crappy roses) "$3 a bunch, two for 5." Two bunches ($5) looks nice and is a good thought. Then you have about $45 extra dollars for dinner with which to be a "provider" (see also, macho; hunter).
All I'm saying is to target your priorities to your dollars. When you are offering a necessity (food/dinner), you have to exceed expectations, but because flowers aren't mandatory, anything that looks good excels.
Sorry for any ruffled feathers, I was just having fun with a fun topic.
And Heather - I agree that cooking dinner is a necessity. In my system, that is part of the "date three deal closer."
