Need dating tips - recently single after 12 years (Page 2)

At least she didn't puke on your Xbox 360... I now consider any date that doesn't end like that a successful one.

Boys are equally as confusing... here's texts from a guy I'd been out with 4 times:

Him: We're downtown. You?
Me: Watching the game but am heading somewhere in a few. Did you want to meet up?
Him: We're probably going to XYZ place in a few. It's up to you
Me: I really wanna see you but not feeling the enthusiasm
Him: Status?

Now I admit I am overly analytical when it comes to words (and he knows this). But if a guy cannot actually ASK ME OUT, I'm not going to go out of my way to meet him out at a bar. Call me crazy.

Wow Tony, you're quite the catch, aren't you? 

She might have some reservation for whatever reason (still thinking about an ex, maybe not feeling ready, etc... ), but she hasn't rejected you yet (which is good).  You can wait 3 or 4 weeks and casually call/text her again.  If the date wasn't a disaster, and you catch her in a good mood, you might get lucky.  It's worth a shot!

[unsolicted advice}

I'm with you Lisa, but you sort of set yourself up by asking him if he wanted to meet up. If you want him to do the asking don't start by asking him. I would suggest simply answering his question.

Him: We're downtown. You?
Me: Watching the game at xxxx location.

Now it's on him to make the move to arrange a meet up.

Also, and I know I am of a different generation, but text "conversations" are ineffective and problematic. It's fine to exchange brief bits of info in a text, but any real discussion requires an actual conversation.

[/unsolicited advice]

Let's see, what can happen in two days that might prohibit her from responding to text:

1.  phone lost/stolen

2.  phone malfunction from dropping, etc, texts deleted, other technical errors

3.  works long shifts and has been working/sleeping exclusively

4.  just been pretty busy

5.  is a well-meaning ditz

I am sure there are a million other things.  Now, if my husband didn't respond to a text in 2 days that's one thing.  But a friend or a date - not a big cause for concern.   It takes a week for my best girl friend to return e-mails sometimes (usually due to excuse 3).

Truer words were never spoken.

You tell her no, gotta make em beg for it a bit. And now that 2Goggs gave away all his secrets you are going to be saying no to a lot of women just for sheer lack of hours in a day!

It's not that I necessarily need for the man to be the one to ask me out as a woman, but I need for him to be decisive. Do you, or do you not want to see me? This whole "it's up to you" thing doesn't sit well with me. 

I certainly don't mind being the one to ask someone out, in fact, I would rather do that than sit around like a damsel in distress waiting for my prince to sweep me off my feet. Because THAT will happen, lol! Sometimes you gotta make a move. I would just like a straight answer in return, even if it's "no thanks."
  

Dump her.

You can't dump someone with whom you are not in a relationship.

She texted you because she wanted a little attention, some positive reinforcement - IOW, she wanted you to butter her butt, so that she needn't feel rejected/inadequate.

She hasn't responded to you, aka ignoring you. Take it at face value - ignoring you = I'm not interested or you're not interesting (same thing). Or, maybe she thinks you should chase her harder; her butt needs more butter.

You were on the fence, the first date was "ok," and now you're being ignored after she prompted you for some attention. You're not confused.

ETA: Girls are confusing. Women are not.

Yes some days I am like 15 but that made me giggle and I kind of needed it so thanks!

Yes, you can.  I'll explain.  I assume this would be a text message, "Hi, this is [dude you went out with the other night].  You're dumped."

To which she would rightfully reply:

Who?

Your scenario is like a candidate telling an employer who is not interested in the candidate, "I'm turning down your job offer."  The employer might respond "But, we never offered you the job."

Exactly. 

I'm not? Oh, ok then. Thank you for clearing that up.

*Snerk!*

I still say dump her.

Hey Dude... You're Dumped!

See, I think this is hot.  It works!

Aaannnnd, moving on...

I'm doing a valentines day run next week sponsored by the local running store. Seems like that should be more up my alley.

I'd ask for some good pick up lines, but figure I'll get 50/50 good and crap.  I get the sense you guys want to see me crash and burn as much as succeed! (I'll share stories either way, I have no shame.)

Don't go with pick up lines. Just stick with a simple "Hello" then smile. If they make eye contact and smiles back then keep talking.

Well, there's understanding what you are receiving (or not) and then there's accepting what you are receiving (or not). I can't help you with the acceptance part, though I tried when I recommended that you take it (accept it) at face value.

If you are still not getting it ... she is who she appears to be. She has demonstrated that she will prompt you for attention, and then ignore you when you deliver. Is that really confusing?

It's a lot easier to deal with when you start accepting at face value what people do/say, especially the negative stuff. E.g, "Why does my boyfriend throw verbal bombs when we argue? He knows it hurts me." Because he's a bomb thrower and he means to hurt you. Or "Why would my boyfriend cheat on me?" Because he's a cheat. Saves a lot of second-guessing yourself. It's not you - it's really them.

FWIW. YMMV. FDIC.