Dating lost its meaning and we need to bring back some old school dating practices.

The 'hook up' culture might be to blame. These days, when a male and female meet on Tinder, they choose a club where they will meet, have a couple of drinks, hook up after and ghost on each other and the cycle continues. Whatever happened to chasing a woman, taking her on a nice date, getting to know her and actually courting her while making your intentions known? There's need to bring back some of those dating practices, otherwise, a majority of us will die single if these lil ashy men are our options. I think part of the reason why our parents are still together after so many years is because dating and courtship was something they took so seriously. Maybe a cheat sheet that we in the new generations can copy from?

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Here are dating practices that need to be made cool again.

1. Making your intentions known.

We are all adults, if it's sex that you want, make it clear, there's no need to waste each other's precious time.

2. Picking up the girl for a date.

Long ago, the men would drive or walk up to the woman's place, of course having made plans like a week earlier and request to take her on a date. I know now, with the traffic hustles and all, it might be hard to pick up someone but if it's someone you're looking to date, you could send over a taxi or driver to pick her up. I think it's a great gesture. These days, you never hear someone tell you "Be ready by 8, I will come pick you up".

3. Taking her on a proper date.

We have so many parks, but no one will think of taking you on a picnic date. These dys, a date means heading to dinner in a cliche restaurant and then checking out Kiza and B-club afterwards. Urgh, how about preparing a basket with fruits, packed lunch, snacks and a glass of wine and heading to a picnic? Some place quiet and scenic where you can talk without having to shout and compete with the loud Nigerian music in the background?

4. Asking for a dance.

Dancing is a nice way to bond. And I don't mean twerking, good grief. I mean proper dancing like they did back in the day. I look forward to the day a man will ask me "May I have this dance please?" and spread his hand to receive me and guide me through the dance, carefully and calmly stroking my hair and back. Sigh...

5. After the date, see her off, if it's cold, give her your jacket.

If you could, drop her home. Don't expect sex or a reward after. In fact, you should ask for her permission for a goodbye kiss. Don't just assume that she wants to be kissed, personal space is important and you should be a gentleman enough to know that.

6. Open the car door for her and let her lead the way, always.

These days, you'll go on a date and the guy walks 200 meters in front of you. Smh...worse, he doesn't even see anything wrong with that.

7. No mind games.

Check in on her, keep in touch and keep the communication flowing. If you truly want her, chase her. Put in the effort till she gives in. I feel like p**sy is so easily available in this day and age and no one bothers to chase anymore. The minute a lady plays hard to get, the guy is on to the next.

8. Courting and taking things slow.

While I'm not advocating for the 90 day rule and such, I would like to see couples taking courtship seriously. Take time to get to know each other really well and see if you're compatible before taking things to the next level. Taking things slow keeps things exciting.

9. Express your feelings differently.

Write a letter every now and then expressing how you feel. I know we live in an era where you can just send a text or email but every now and then, we could write letters to our loved ones. Nothing more romantic than a heartfelt handwritten message of love.

10. Compliment her using the right words.

"Damn that ass poppin" How about you try, "You look really beautiful tonight"...

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11. Come bearing gifts.

Long ago, men would go to meet the women bearing gifts, be it a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. Nowadays, even getting those flowers, unless it's your birthday, that's a rumour.

12. Taking the bill.

These days, women want to be equal to their male counterparts in all aspects and they want to be independent and all. But every now and then, I still appreciate a man who offers to pay the bill. It's very masculine and gentleman-y.

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