Almost everyone who has spent time in a relationship has a sense of expectation in regards to participating in that relationship. Whether we expect our dates to introduce us to their crowd of friends, or pay their own way on a date, we all have expectations.

But here's a good rule of thumb to live by: Don't expect too much!

Simply because your knowledge of this new cutie, is limited. Therefore, your expectations could very well exceed her expenditures.

It is here that I re-introduce the magical word, "communication". Without it, you have nothing. With only a little of it, you're destined to make crucial errors while trying to get to know your date. It only follows that you should make a concerted effort to open the lines of communication and to keep them open, indefinitely.

What if her expectations are too high? For example, she may be expecting you to follow all gentlemenly rules as specified in the latest edition of The Chivalrous Handbook... (There is no such book that I know of. But if there were, many of us would be receiving it as a stocking-stuffer for Christmas!)

Most women's dating expectations are based on their own desires, how they believe a dating relationship should progress, or information they've gathered through previous dating experiences. If she's accustomed to being treated like an Arabian queen on the first date, she may not necessarily appreciate your dinner offer at a local Burger King.

Aside from things that are totally natural or just plain common courtesy... (ie. covering your mouth when you cough, taking a shower (or two) before the date, etc.) ...most expectations are left up in the air. She may expect you to show her a grand night out on the town, but you would have no way of knowing this since you don't know her. However, after some well-spent time together, you will no longer have excuses.