-if you’re thinking of dating in 2012
POPULAR women’s website, “The Frisky” recently updated its annual “DO NOT DATE” list as a public service to single ladies everywhere. The site states: “We firmly believe that an important part of dating is knowing which suitors to say ‘no thanks’ to.” For an overview of males to avoid for a happy, healthy dating year, we refer you to the understated article. We here at the Guyana Chronicle know that our local ladies will also have plenty to add.
1. The guy who doesn’t yet know what he wants to do with his life: If he is still figuring out career stuff, he is most likely not ready to make you a priority in his life. He would if he could, but he just doesn’t have the multitasking capabilities to do “you” and soul search at the same time. He’s great for a good time; but not for much more.
2.  The guy you dated years ago who contacts you out of the blue: It’s nice to think that someone from your past is coming back for second go-round. How rom-com! Yes, people change, but not that much! Nine times out of ten, the reason you broke up in the first place still stands. Tip your hat at him, wish him a good day, and keep on walking.
3. The guy who scoffs at you: If he scoffs at anything about you — your taste in books, your clothing choices, your love of musicals, pound the pavement. He should accept the things that are fundamental expressions of your uniqueness.
4.  The guy who is looking for a placeholder: Meaning, he’s looking for a girlfriend, ANY girlfriend will do. You needn’t have any special qualities to apply, just that you’re willing and have a vagina and want him to be your boyfriend. No questions asked. You know you’re involved with one of these guys when, after an hour or so, he is looking at you all googley-eyed, telling you how amazing you are. He doesn’t even know you and he wants to get serious after the first date?
5. The guy who needs too much attention: Don’t get with someone who is pressuring you for more attention that you can give.
6. The guy who doesn’t know how to express emotion: I know expressing emotion can be more difficult for some men (and women). Underneath the aloof exterior of the guy who “can’t do mushy-gushy” or “doesn’t like conversations about feelings” is a guy who never really learned some key communication skills. You are not a therapist; if he needs extra assistance in this area, real therapy is recommended.
7. The guy who can’t get it together to ask you on a date: To some women, having to ask a guy out or plan a date is a sign that they will be the one steering the ship.
If he can’t even find the courage/ resolve/wherewithal/effort within him to try to make plans or even suggest that you hang sometime, I don’t see a future of any kind for you. (This one is debatable)
8. The guy whom you only call when you’re lonely: Erase this guy’s number from your phone. If you’re lonely, learn to soothe yourself; no other person can fill that void. Don’t use anyone to fill that void the same way, because you wouldn’t want anyone to use you in that way.
9. The Ghoster: The “ghoster” is the guy you’re dating for a minute who suddenly disappears without any inkling of an explanation. More often than not, he re-materializes from the spirit dating world at some point, and wants another chance. Whatever his reasoning for the ghosting may be — busy, got back together with his ex, was sick, on vacation — it’s irrelevant. It says something about his character, and a guy who ghosts once will ghost again.
10. The guy you have no sexual chemistry with: Sexual chemistry is not always a solid 10 with every person every time. Sometimes it grows, sometimes it requires work, says the site. That is totally OK. But dating a guy who you know you have ZERO sexual attraction to is just a cruel thing to do to both of you. You may really adore him, and you can continue to adore him … as a friend. Hold out for someone who excites you. Let him find someone who is excited by him. It’s the decent thing to do.
11. The guy who is not yet over his ‘ex’: You may be the woman of his damn dreams, but if he is still mourning another lady, he won’t adore you the way you are meant to be adored. Timing is a powerful force beyond your control. Move on, and if timing is kind to you, he may cross your path again when he’s ready to see you for the amazing specimen that you are.
12. The guy who just wants to casual date and not take it any further: If you think you are the woman who is going to change Casual Tom’s outlook on love, you are fooling yourself, sister. Leave ‘Casual Tom’ to date other women casually, while you empower yourself by not wasting your time on someone who isn’t up for the task of meeting your needs. (Source: www. thefrisky.com)