This is a brilliant piece. I wasn't in the dating pool for too long, but I also insisted on paying for myself. I am sorry for all your first-date experiences...I am grateful that I didn't have that experience in the handful of ones I was on. The one date that ended in a nice warm hug and a quick peck on the lips, because he was so darn cute, is someone I have been with for 18 months now. As you said, there are far fewer gentlemen out there....but when you find one, you hold on to him.