The rules of courtship change, and as with everything in life, different rules apply for different personalities. Here is a rough and ready primer that takes you through a few do's and don't' s (they are both for him and her.

DO'S
For her

• Tell him you adore his muscles
• Roll your eyes in disgust whenever the subject of your ex-boyfriend comes up
• Remember to compliment his mother on her culinary skills
• Pay attention to his little sister's hobbies and heartbreaks
• Offer to pay occasionally on a date if you're both earning comparable salaries. If you insist on going dutch all the time, more power to you.
• Compliment his taste in clothes/food/décor/music/art. Whatever applies.
• Tell him you love him. Often.

For him

• Tell her she looks beautiful
• Refrain from making hooting noises when a bombshell walks past the two of you.
• Hold her hand at the most schmaltzy moment in a romantic film.
• Tolerate, even sing along to `your song'.
• Avoid all comparisons with your ex's.
• Burn your black book.
• Be a gentleman. Pick her up and drop her to her home on a date. Open the door for her. Guide her through crowds. It is always appreciated.
• Call after a wonderful evening and tell her it was wonderful.
• Call when you say you will call.
• Send her flowers.

DONT'S
For her

• Don't let him ever see you with your green cucumber face mask
• Don't Pee with the door open
• Don't discuss your menstrual cycle
• Don't try to make him jealous by flirting with the stud at the bar
• Don't refer to his mother as that woman
• Don't forget the deodorant
• Don't buy him gifts that are too expensive until you are exclusively a couple.

For him

• Don't belch, fart, nosepick or do any unmentionable scratching in front of her
• Don't rush to grab a seat in the theatre before she does.
• Don't order for her from the menu
• Don't expect to be forgiven for everything.
• Don't forget any anniversary/birthday or momentous occasion
• Don't fail to comment on a change of hairstyle or a new outfit
• Don't forget the names of her best friends/siblings/great aunt/ godmother
• Don't expect her to sink into your bed just because you paid for the dinner and the disc
• Don't buy her personal gifts like lingerie or clothes until you are sure of her tastes. Or until you know her sizes right.
• Don't buy utility items as gifts. A toaster is not romantic. Nor is a handblender.

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