Demand respect

So, we know that young men occasionally approach older (not old!) women on dating sites.

Let's talk about the way these men approach women. Messages like "shoot me a text" and "Ur mad pretty" and "wanna see my ****" are standard openers for the 18-25 set.

What I want to know is, where are they learning that this is a good way to approach women? When I am approached, it's usually by men old enough to be their fathers - and they don't come at me that way. So it doesn't make sense that they're learning these methods from their dads.

So what then? Movies? Music? Friends? TV? Video games? Older brothers?

What's even more disturbing is the idea that this approach might actually be working on some women. Why else would they keep it up, if it's not met with at least a little success?

I can't do anything about bad habits passed down by dads or friends, or movies giving kids bad ideas. People are going to think what they're going to think.

But...ladies (especially younger ladies) - please, please don't encourage this behavior by responding in a positive way. In fact - don't respond at all!

There are men who will approach you with respect and courtesy and kindness and intelligence. You deserve these things, and you are right to demand them from any man looking to prove he's worth your time.

If a guy can't show simple courtesy the first time he says hello, imagine what you can expect as he becomes more comfortable? Familiarity brings out a person's worst, not his best. His best is supposed to be for first impressions.

If this is his best, imagine what's in store, just waiting until you've settled into a relationship?

Trust me, you're better off staying single, waiting for the nice guy to come along. He will - and you'll definitely want to respond to his message.