For our last tale in our year-long series, Kasey explores one of the perils that comes with dating in the digital age: Texting.

Thanks, friends, for sending in all your wonderful stories. I hope you’ve enjoyed these stories as much as I have! Read any stories you missed here. xoxo
“No more; the text is foolish.” King Lear IV. ii.

Yes, we all text. Texting is not inherently bad, by any means. But you if you want to woo a pretty girl, don’t do it!

You need to call the girl. You need to hear her voice, and she needs to hear your voice. If she doesn’t like your voice, texting won’t save you because she’ll have to hear you speak if you ever go out with her.

Plus, there are so many ways people can misconstrue text messages. If a text message is misunderstood, you’ll just have to call and apologize anyway.

Here are just a few things people miss out on in text messages, all of which can make a girl feel better (or worse, so be careful) about you:
*Pitch
*Volume
*Rate
*Quality
*Intonation
*Vocalized pauses

For example, she will be able to understand your sarcasm because of your pitch and intonation. Or, she can get you’re SUPER EXCITED to see her again because you sound happy and slightly nervous.
Texting has its uses. It’s not all bad. But if you are trying to date someone, just call them. In the end, calling just means “I like you so much. I’m calling just to hear your voice.” And that realization will make anyone feel good.

[Photos via We Heart It]

Today, Kasey sheds some light on the tango of initiation when it comes to dating. Hope you enjoy, friends! xoxo

OK, guys: If you want to see her again, ask, “Can I see you again?“

Recently, a friend of mine went on a date. It went fairly well. Well, enough for a second date, anyway. And the whole time, the guy seemed very much into her. But he forgot one very important thing — he forgot to ask for the second date.

Oh, he texted her that week and eventually asked (via text — don’t get me started on THAT!) what her schedule was, but guys, don’t do that. Grow a backbone, and decide whether or not you want to see her again. If you do, just call her (scary!), and say, “Hey, I had a really good time with you the other day. Can I see you again? Great! What day works for you?” Boom. done.

Girls: It’s OK to give hints, but don’t ask the guy out. Make him do some work.

I know some of you like to take control. I know you want to just ask him, “Hey! let’s go out again! When is good?.” But don’t. Make him do some work. If nothing else, it will help you gauge his level of interest in you. If you find that you’re always the one setting up dates, and you’re always the one initiating communications, odds are he’s just not that into you. And if he doesn’t call, I’m sorry in advance if you’re disappointed. But in the long run, you want to be with someone who’s crazy about being you anyway.

[Photo via cosmic]

Kasey is back with us again, friends! I’m so glad to have him back. This week, he explores a delicate subject. A very delicate subject. Literally. Enjoy! xoxo

P.S. Don’t you love that he used the term gentleman caller? 🙂
Let’s talk about flowers.

Recently, a friend of mine informed me (in a rather remorseful tone) that she has never received flowers from a gentleman caller. Where I am saddened that she is saddened over her lack of flowers, I do not necessarily condone flowers. I will NOT be bringing anyone flowers on a first date. With an “escape hatch” in mind if dates don’t go well, I don’t want to complicate things any further with flowers. I know, I know. Flowers will probably get an “awww, that’s so sweet!” from my date, but it also has potential to cause tears. I can see the “let’s go our separate ways” cry now — “but you got me flowers!!” So, I think I’ll just remove that before it gets started.

I have purchased flowers for a woman (who wasn’t my mother; Mother’s Day and your mom’s birthday don’t count) twice in my life. The first one was on about the 6th or 8th date I went on with the girl. They were “do-you-want-to-be-my-girlfriend” flowers. That worked pretty well. The other time, the flowers were for the same girl. Just because I felt like buying them. The “random-flowers-for-no-reason” seemed to go over well.

Flowers are nice, to be sure. Just be careful. They can be dangerous — any act of affection can be.

[Photo via We Heart It]

You asked, and our resident guyspert Kasey was more than happy to answer! Feel free to keep those questions coming, friends, and I hope you enjoy today’s male perspective! xoxo
Why do guys have trouble calling girls for the first time?
Well, the short answer is: They’re nervous. And probably insecure about themselves. If a guy is insecure, he will have low confidence levels, and when he sees a cute girl, it is mortifying to call. Fear of rejection is a huge thing, too. But rejection isn’t so bad once you get used to it. I would tell all guys that they NEED to call the girl, too, and not just text them. It opens up communication in a much more emotionally charged medium, and then the girl can actually hear the tonality in your voice. I think you’d give a guy a chance (assuming you gave him your number in the first place) if he sounded super nervous, right?

What is your biggest complaint when it comes to dating?
My biggest complaint is that there aren’t enough places where it is socially acceptable to meet people. When I say that, I’m referring to group gatherings. I mean, you can meet people at a bar (not really my style), you can meet people at friend’s parties, maybe work, but that’s tricky. So what does that leave? The grocery store? I mean, I suppose I can talk to her about fruit in the produce section, but that seems to be crossing the creeper line. And though the online thing works for some, that’s not really my taste. That is my biggest complaint.
How can we stretch out of our comfort zones?
I think the best way to get yourself out of your comfort zone is to go meet a new person. Seriously. Just pick a person you think looks cool, and just say, “Hey, my name is … , and I think your shoes are cool.” Or whatever. Just go talk to a person you have never talked to before. Even if it’s your Starbucks barista. Baristas are people, too.

[Photos via a beautiful world]