Let Us Keep It 100

I write this post because not only do I witness this time and time again, I was once just as guilty. I found myself going on a date or two or even three with an individual who over time proved to be someone that wasn’t right for me. Rather than “keeping it one hundred,” I often dismissed the individual without an explanation. Multiple texts, multiple Facebook messages, and calls would go unanswered. Now granted, the individual should have got the hint due to my silence; however, this is where I’d like to introduce my point. As an individual who takes on the responsibility in dating, it is so important to respect the individual who took time out of his or her evening and more often than not spent his or her hard earned money on you by letting them know, “I’m just not that you.”

If only that was the worst of it. This is Swag Etiquette, the blog that introduces the cruel world of dating in your twenties in Los Angeles. I mentioned the importance in offering reasoning to those unanswered calls but one would think the story I am about to share deserves not only an explanation but an apology.

I was involved with an individual where it was more complicated than any casual dating scenario should have been. After six months of casual dating, there was no longer an “us” without explanation and fortunately, there never became an us as a result of this vary incidient. After a drawn out explanation providing reasoning for our fall out along with an apology, three simple words were spoken which were never requested, “I Love You.” Fair enough, when one becomes consumed in the moment, false words slip, especially at the mercy of Grey Goose and Moet. I spent days debating if I should address the incident with him to gain better clarification. When I brought it up with a well thoughout text, he admitted to meaning every word. I made a decision to let go of our past miscommunications and indulge in the idea of romance. If only it were that easy.  The following day after those three words were spoken, he went on a trip with another woman for a weekend. That following week, he arrived to a nightclub with a third woman. The ironic part was when I displayed disapproval and emotion as a result of this disappointment, I was the one reprimanded for not taking the hint.

So you ask, how does my rule “keep it 100” come into play? Simple. Let me know you are not ready for a committed relationship rather than play these games. Let me know there is another woman, or two, in your life when questioned. Readers, I know what you’re thinking, “you got played.” One would agree… if he got any play, so what was the point?

Now with this example, I realize I may have brought on some confusion due to it being an unusual scenario so let me summarize my point in Swag Etiquette’s lesson.

Lesson: It is so easy to find the “games” that come with dating a sweet indulgence; however, if you decide to embark in this journey where you claim a level headed mentality when it comes to dating, show some respect and keep it 100. If you can’t make it to an engagement, inform me in a timely manner. If you miss me, come see me. If you need clarity in the relationship, simply ask. If i request clarity in the relationship, be honest. If you want to see other people, I respect your decision, just let me know.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The previous lesson sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, this is a blog post and won’t inspire the guilty so let me close with this. It is your responsibility to recognize that he or she just may not be that into you. Moreover, if you find yourself displeased by his or her actions time and time again, the individual just may not be right for you. With grace, keep it 100 with that individual and walk away. You might be surprised how often they may start calling.