If you just read this one and thought “How can I know that for sure?” then you kind of already have your answer. When someone is truly interested in you,

unless they are deathly shy or extreme introverts, they’re not usually going to be cryptic in their approach. If they don’t come out and straight-up say it, they’re going to compliment

you a lot, inquire about your relational status and be consistent about getting (and holding) your attention. In short, just because someone is polite, don’t automatically assume they are flirting.

And just because they may say “You look nice today”, don’t assume that means they are in love with you. In short, if you have to wonder when someone stands, you

don’t have enough to go on. Yet.

You deserve a date. A real live date. One that doesn’t have anything to do with work (or if you’re in school, school). Someone wanting to get with you after

office hours at a local deli to discuss an upcoming meeting? No matter how appealing they may be, we don’t count that as a date. Bottom line, if work is

on the table, don’t put anything romantic into it.

What happens if they ask you to lunch during work hours, but the two of you don’t talk about work at all? You’re getting warmer, that’s for sure. And if

they do this often enough, it’s fair to say that they are trying to get to know you better. But it’s still not enough to believe that it’s anything beyond

platonic. Our vote is they want some company and they like yours. If they want something to go to another level, though, they need to aim higher. MUCH HIGHER.

Some people get away with “dating” people by asking them out at the last-minute. Call it old-fashioned if you want to, but last minute to us is less than 24-hours’

notice. Here’s where your own power and standards come into play. Just because they might consider that a date, doesn’t mean that you have to. If it’s a first, second

or third “date”, we recommend turning them down until they can give you more notice. Otherwise, it kinda translates into you being at their beck-and-call; something you do not want

to give them the impression of as you’re in the process of starting a relationship.

This brings us to this point. If a person is truly interested in you, they are going to want to impress you. One way they will do that is by

planning ahead. They will give you at least a few days’ heads up. They will make a reservation someplace or at the very least tell you where you’re going so

you’ll know how to dress. Dates give two people the chance to spend a little quality time together. Therefore, the date is going to be quality-based too.

If someone wants to go on a date with you, they will call it a date. Not “hanging out”. Not “getting together”. Not “having a drink” or “catching a movie”.

It will be called A DATE. Why? Because they don’t want you to have any confusion. They want to make sure that you are going out with them because there

is a mutual attraction and interest. That saves everyone a lot of time.

Hopefully, if you’ve been wondering what’s up with you and a certain someone, this at least gave

you some extra things to think about. Bottom line, if you’re not sure if you’re dating someone or not…assume that you’re not. Because (sorry) you probably aren’t.