When it comes to men and dating, I am obviously clueless. I recently learned of a new unwritten rule for women: offer to pay on the first date. Huh?!

I was chatting with a male friend about dating and dating etiquette. I told him that I usually do NOT offer to split a check on a first date. However, I am more than happy to reciprocate down the road, usually by the second or third date. He told me that if a girl doesn't at least offer to pay half on the first date, it's a deal breaker! His theory is that if a girl doesn't at least offer, it signifies that she will be selfish throughout the relationship. I was shocked by this theory! If a guy asks a girl out on a date, shouldn't he pay? I always thought so! But now, I will at least offer. But beware gentlemen: if a guy were to ever accept the offer, he will probably NOT get a second date.

Then again, I have to remember the source of this theory. I met this guy through a mutual friend in the Hamptons, where he tried to hook up with me while watching the World Cup. I politely declined his aggressive advances. He persisted nonetheless. Once I escaped, I ignored his calls and texts. The only reason I met up with him the other night was because I needed to get out of my apartment and away from roommate drama. And he lives nearby and just happened to text me at a weak moment. We had a beer and he showed me his messy bachelor pad, complete with a used condom on the floor next to the bed. Gross! Later, he unsuccessfuly attempted to seduce me.

I'm 33 and single, but, so is he. And, his advances towards me were pathetic! So who's really the clueless one?