John, Let's vent! So I pick up the check on 90% of my first dates. (If I want a second date...I do not touch that check.) The reason why I grab the check is for safety reasons. I have found that men get less belligerent when you say you don't want a second date if you got the check. Yes, it's that bad.

Most men don't fight with me when I tell them I get nervous on first dates and would prefer a location near me. And yes, it amazes me too when I get so much grief for such a simple request. It's always a red flag.

One of my friends told me he went on 3 dates yesterday in one day. This is the problem with dating. I would prefer to date with intention. One or two a month. Tops. I am not sport dating. That's B.S.