More cooties

I've concluded that it's me. I am apparently misreading the signals. Evidently, sweet Christmas gifts, asking you out on dates, spending New Year's with you....and other stuff does not mean that a guy likes you.

At least not as more than "a friend."

Yeah, I get it. You have to spend time with someone to be sure you like her. You have to get to know a person before you know how you feel. Blah, blah, blah....

Here's my question: Why not just be honest? If you're not sure how you feel - just say so. Here, let's practice:

"I like you a lot, I think you're cool, I like hanging with you, but I'd like to start as friends and see where this goes."

What in the world is wrong with saying that?! Then, I don't get my feelings all tangled up, thinking things are one way, when they're really another...just to have you pull the rug out from underneath me. I don't want to hear any of that nonsense about how you have to treat a woman a certain way, or she'll move on to the next guy, either. That only happens when we're not sure where we stand with you. If you tell us, then we'll be sure.

I think it's safe to assume I speak on behalf of single, sane women everywhere when I say - cut the shit.

It's perfectly fine to be unsure how you feel - but quit acting as though you do. I'll let you in on a little secret about women...we don't always know how we feel, either. We aren't all looking to run down the aisle the minute we exchange contact info. Some of us are perfectly fine taking things slowly, and would just like to do so with a little respect and a little courtesy. Maybe a little honesty thrown in for good measure.

You know, like grown-ups. Without cooties.