What % Dating Smart Are You?

By: Zoe Samuel
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
What % Dating Smart Are You?
Image: Caiaimage/Tom Merton / OJO+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Dating is one of those things that very few people are naturally good at. This is partly because expectations change constantly, but also because dating is not entirely a skill. It's a test of compatibility, and that means that if you are simply unlucky about who you meet or live in a location with limited opportunities to date, it's quite hard to just become good at it as a one-sided activity.

However, there are things you can learn either by doing or by taking advice from intelligent sources (meaning, not your drunken frat friend). For example, it's useful to really instill in yourself that just because someone pays for dinner does not mean you owe them anything. They have enjoyed the pleasure of your company, so you're already square! Similarly, it's useful to know how to heed a red flag, and to be self-aware about your own dealbreakers when it comes to religion, kids and lifestyle.

You should also know when to call it quits, how to set a boundary and stick to it, and how to be respectful and kind even if you think this isn't the person for you. It's also possible to grow out of silly criteria regarding things that don't matter much, like height, weight or how they drive (as long as they're safe), and start focusing on the things that do matter, like whether you make one another laugh and whether they'll be there when the chips are down. Knowing your goals is also key, from casual dating to marriage. After all, as Yogi Berra said, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up someplace else."

Let's see if you've got your dating skillset down. It's time to get started!

Do you know how to leave a situation that feels "off"?
Yes, it's awkward, but I never regret it.
I've done it a time or two.
I'm learning!
Nope

Advertisement

What is the least important preference on your list?
Height
I guess I could forego having a travel partner, though I'd be sad.
I guess I could deal with someone who isn't into the same sports as me.
All my preferences are mandatory.

Advertisement

If you like someone, do you tell them?
Of course
Yes, eventually
I do detective work to see if they're into me first.
I could never!

Advertisement

It's not working. How do you call it quits?
Call them
Email them. That way if they have a meltdown, I've spared their dignity.
Text them
I don't bother.

Advertisement

Do you know what your dealbreakers are?
Yes, and I got all of them.
I know most of them.
I know a couple.
I don't think I have any.

Advertisement

Assuming they're just a bad fit rather than actively cruel, would you ever ghost someone?
Absolutely not
Probably not
I haven't in years.
I would totally do that.

Advertisement

When is it OK to kiss a new person?
Whenever you both want to
First date
Third date
When they insist on it!

Advertisement

When do you mention any debts you have?
First three dates
First two months
First year
Nobody would want someone as broke as me, so ideally never.

Advertisement

The spark just isn't there. What's a good enough reason to stick around anyway?
There isn't one.
They're your best friend in all other ways.
Someone is pregnant.
Fear of dying alone

Advertisement

Do you consider it "settling" or compromising if you end up with someone who isn't the most gorgeous person in the world?
I know my boo isn't everyone's idea of gorgeous but I think they are the most gorgeous person and that's what counts!
As long as I think they are hot, then I don't care what they look like by whatever standard society sets.
That's fine if they are attractive and you have chemistry!
LOL. I would never date someone ugly.

Advertisement

Do you know what you actually want out of dating?
Yes, it was marriage, and I got it.
I know it's marriage and I say so.
It's marriage, but I never say so in case people think it is desperate.
I have no idea, so I say I'm just looking for something casual.

Advertisement

If they make you a meal and it makes you sick because they undercook the chicken, how do you feel?
Grateful that they made me a meal and really sad for them that they now feel bad for making me puke!
Appreciative but angry
Annoyed and let down - who doesn't know how to cook chicken?
I dump them immediately. They could have killed me!

Advertisement

Do you feel obliged to be extra nice to someone if they pay for everything?
I only feel obliged to be polite and say thank you!
I feel obliged to stay the whole dinner, even if it's awful.
I feel obliged, but I don't act on it.
Yes, I feel like I have to give them what they want.

Advertisement

Do you think "just be yourself" is good advice?
No, it's a stupid platitude.
It's well intended, but not actually helpful.
It's good advice but not enough on its own.
Yeah man! If you don't love my totally uncensored self, then you don't deserve me!

Advertisement

Whose opinion on your potential partner do you give most weight?
My mom
Grandma
Priest
Friends

Advertisement

What's a red flag that you think most people don't recognize?
If they don't respond promptly
If they are mean to the waiter
If they are late
I don't know.

Advertisement

If it's not making you happy, what's a good reason to stick around anyway?
There is none!
You have something to do until you meet someone better, I guess?
You don't have to deal with pitying friends and relatives.
You're not alone.

Advertisement

Is it ever OK to date more than one person at once?
If you are totally honest about it
If you are not too serious, yes
Yes, you should date everyone you can until you pick one.
What they don't know, won't hurt me!

Advertisement

What counts as a date?
Whatever you both agree on
Dinner
Drinks
Coffee

Advertisement

Have you ever dated someone from a very different background?
Yes, but it did not work out.
Yes, and it worked great.
Not yet, but I would.
I would never do this.

Advertisement

Do you think differences like religion, lifestyle or whether to have kids can ever be overcome?
Nope
Maybe
Probably
Love conquers all!

Advertisement

Would you date someone who still lived with their parents?
If that was their culture or they were caring for them, yes.
If they were saving up, yes.
If they paid rent there, yes.
Never!

Advertisement

If you've gone on 10 dates and they ghost you, how many times should you reach out?
3
2
1
More than 10

Advertisement

Do you stay in touch with exes?
Only ones I'm absolutely over
Only those who are nice people I'd have been friends with anyway
Only if it was a long time ago and not serious
No. If you are friends with an ex then you are not over them.

Advertisement

What could a person say about their ex that would raise a huge red flag?
"She's crazy."
"All 12 of them were a**holes."
"She was too good for me."
"He didn't make enough money."

Advertisement

If you love the great outdoors and they're a homebody, or vice versa, is that a disaster?
Not necessarily. It's good to have a break from each other.
It's not ideal but it can work.
It's a big problem and compromise will be needed.
That's insurmountable.

Advertisement

Could you date someone who lived more than 100 miles away?
Only with an end date such as graduation
Only for a couple of years
No
Yes, that's fine!

Advertisement

How long would you be willing to date someone before you meet the parents, assuming they live nearby?
Eight weeks
12 weeks
Six months
A year or more

Advertisement

At what point do you say, "If I haven't seen your home, I'm done here"?
Four weeks
Eight weeks
I dated someone for a year once and never saw their home and - oh my goodness, I was their sidepiece, wasn't I?
I dated someone for two years without seeing their home, and it was fine. They said my place was bigger.

Advertisement

How long is too long for two adults who believe in marriage to date without an engagement?
Three years
Four years
Five years
More than five years

Advertisement

You Got:

Featured