Dating tips:

VICTOR RODRIGUEZ Managing Editor @vrodriguez2100

An easy solution to an age-old question: who pays on the first date?

The person who invites the other out has asserted their interest, and is in an easier position to reach for the check with the minimum amount of awkwardness. Don’t worry so much about splitting bills 50/50. A good man doesn’t actually care about the dollar amount. It’s displaying effort that’ll win his heart.

One of the biggest problems in all relationships is communication—or lack thereof. Unless they specifically state so, most men aren’t mind readers and need to hear when there’s a problem. If he said something you don’t agree with or something that’s inherently wrong...call him on it. This helps establish an open dialogue where there’s very little bullshit.

Initiate conversations: there’s nothing more attractive than a person speaking about something they’re passionate about. The best way to see if you’re interests mesh is to actually talk about them. It’s very rare that two people will have nothing in common so just keep on searching until you find out that both of you are obsessed with the same TV show, or both of you have a crazy uncle Larry (hopefully it’s not the same man).

The majority of communication is nonverbal, so if he seems comfortable with contact, gently grabbing his arm while you talk let’s you convey your interest without coming off as too forward. You don’t need whiskey to get frisky. And finally, people put so much pressure on first dates that you need to remember to just laugh it off. You don’t need to have the same sense of humor as your prospective partner, but you definitely need to be able to laugh with them.

TANYA CASTANEDA Opinion Editor @tanyacroundup

First and foremost, it is important to get to actually know the girl. Ask her what her interests are and what she wants out of a partner. This is especially important in the early stages of dating because the type of person she is will be what helps you determine whether you want to continue to pursue her, or let her go.

Equally as important is acceptance. You must always remember that every girl will have had a life before you and if there are qualities in a potential partner that you don’t like, you have to then decide whether it is something you can deal with or if it is a dealbreaker. You must never expect someone to change for you. If you cannot accept a girl as is, it is clear you don’t actually want her. At this point, move on.

Furthermore, it is just as important to always remain yourself. Similarly to how you should not expect someone to change for you, a girl should not expect you to change for her. If she is genuinely interested in you and who you are, she will not try mold you into a different person.

If you both choose to stay together after learning one another’s worst qualities, congratulations, you have found someone who could potentially be a new romantic partner. However, if you ultimately decide not to continue, the most important thing is to always be honest about how you feel.

Feelings can be scary, especially for those who are more closed off, but being verbal about them will always be important in any relationship. It is vital that you tell a girl exactly how you feel, even if it’s not positive.