Be a gentleman, but don’t patronize us.

I know it’s kind of tough to find that middle ground, but we females appreciate when our gallant knight in shining armor realizes that although they are always there to save the day, we can pick ourselves up some of the time too. There are some simple things to remember to help this. For example, if you are walking into a restaurant and happen to glimpse an attractive girl coming in after you, feel free to hold the door if she’s right behind her, and you’ll probably get a smile and a sincere thanks in return. However, if she’s more than five or six feet behind you, don’t bother. When a guy holds a door for me when I’m far away, it makes me feel obligated to hurry up, therefore exerting more energy trying to go faster than it would’ve taken to open the door myself in the first place. Also, stay away from little pet names like sweetie and honey if you don’t know the girl very well. Though it might be cute after you’ve been dating a while, your terms of endearment might come off as patronization and sexism when just getting to know someone. For a rather well-publicized example of how this can backfire, search for Barack Obama’s “sweetie” comment on Youtube. Just use common sense in situations like these. If your well-intentioned act of chivalry is going to make everything awkward, don’t do it! But if you have the grace and capability to carry it off, by all means do, and you’ll probably sweep her off of her feet.

The words are coming out of her mouth for a reason.

Listen, guys: We know that you are genetically wired to have a predilection for getting an eyeful, and I must admit, that preliminary once-over where your eyes travel up and down appreciatively is flattering, but once you’ve drawn us into a conversation, we want you paying attention to what we’re saying, not what’s on our chest. And we aren’t stupid-we recognize your uh-huhs and yeahs and little one word answers that you give us when you’re too busy ogling. We can spot that a mile away. We want you to get to know our personality; if you just want to look, go to a strip club or pick up a Playboy, but if you’re seriously in the dating scene, be prepared to make a conversational effort.

Be yourself. No, seriously: Be yourself!

This might sound like the most cliché, overused piece of dating advice ever, but it still rings true. If you’re in the market for a long-term, serious relationship, don’t try to build yourself up and stretch the truth. If you boast about being able to bench 300 pounds or holding the top executive position at the company you work for, you may have us awed and enthralled at first, but as the relationship progresses, the truth will come out, and our trust in you will plummet. You don’t have to make us think that you’re perfect. We know you have flaws. If you can laugh them off a little and be open and honest with us, that’s how you earn our true respect and admiration.

Don’t be an Average Joe.

If you really want to wow the lucky lady, instead of building yourself up with delusions of grandeur, try to make an honest effort to go above and beyond. Instead of showing up with an everyday bunch of flowers, try finding a box of exotic chocolates or something special like that. And not every date needs to be at a sit-down restaurant. A picnic on a nice summer day is always romantic, and thinking more outside the box, you could take her to an art class or a ballroom dancing lesson or something creative. Try to think outside the box. If you come up with something really creative, it will make you stick in her mind and create a pleasant memory for her. She’ll want to see you again!

Leave her wanting more.

On your first couple of dates, don’t spend more than an hour or two with her. If you’ve had a wonderfully perfect date, don’t hang around for drinks. Leave her wanting more! That way, she’ll be intrigued by you and eager to see you again.