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Old-fashioned dating ideas

Internet dating makes it easy to find a man, and fits perfectly into our busy, web-connected lives. But have we lost something along the way?

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Internet dating makes it easy to find a man, and fits perfectly into our busy, web-connected lives. But have we lost something along the way?

Do you long for a return to email-free courtship and traditions like the man asking the woman out, or are you glad we've moved on?

We took a closer look at 10 dating traditions. See if you agree with which traditions are worth keeping and which deserve to stay in the past.

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Tradition 1: He does the asking

For: When dating roles were more clearly defined, everyone knew where they stood. If a man liked you, he'd ask you out. Simple.

Against: Stop press: men are human! If he's scared of rejection, he won't ask you out. Men are also notoriously bad at reading body language signals, so they may not know if you're interested.

Verdict: Go back further than the fifties and you'll find that women (well, their families) always did the asking anyway. Tradition itself can't make up its mind. If you're keen and he seems keen, ask him out.

- Are you looking for love? Meet other single people near you for fun, love or romance
Tradition 2: My friend fancies you

For: The playground approach is too useful to leave to pre-teens. Using a go-between preserves your dignity in case of rejection.

Against: If he thinks you've sent your friend to do your dirty work, he may question your character and it could backfire. Especially if he ends up getting off with your friend.

Verdict: Done with a deft hand and a friend you trust, this is a great way to find out if he's interested.

- Are you looking for love? Meet other single people near you for fun, love or romance
Tradition 3: Going to a dance

For: Many a 60-something couple met at a dance. Dances in the old days were like speed-dating; you even got score cards to keep track of whom you'd danced with. What better way to suss out your physical chemistry?

Against: He'll be like a kid in a sweet shop. He'll be dazzled by the array of talent on show, and will come back every week for more no-strings jigging.

Verdict: Learning to dance is great exercise, very fashionable and the perfect way to pick out a partner. It's also a great excuse to break out the posh frock.

- Are you looking for love? Meet other single people near you for fun, love or romance
Tradition 4: Going to the pictures

For: Catching a film together allows those nerves to subside and gives you something to talk about. Anyone for a quick electric elbow-touch?

Against: The way to get a man interested in you is to get him a beer, make lots of eye contact and be interested in everything he has to say. Making him sit through the latest Richard Curtis flick will just leave him bored.

Verdict: It's tough to guess someone else's film taste, so choose together. Make time for a drink and a chat afterwards.

- Are you looking for love? Meet other single people near you for fun, love or romance
Tradition 5: A moonlit stroll

For: Deeply romantic, loads of opportunity to chat and hold hands, and costs nothing.

Against: You're tired, it's cold, your feet are hurting, and there's a bloke over there taking a leak in a bus shelter. Oh, joy!

Verdict: Stop moaning. If you're tired, wrap yourself around him and ask if he fancies heading back for hot chocolate. And don't wander through the scuzziest bit of town. Head for a park with a glittering view of the city or the night sky.

- Are you looking for love? Meet other single people near you for fun, love or romance
Tradition 6: Candlelit dinner

For: You get to dress up, eat great food and chat over a complexion-flattering candle.

Against: Way too much pressure for a first date. If there's no spark, a posh dinner can be torture, especially if he's keen and you're not.

Verdict: It's the perfect spontaneous end to a first date that unexpectedly lasted six hours. It's also a treat if you've been seeing each other a while. And only order garlic or chilli if he does!

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Tradition 7: Glass of wine for the lady

For: Sticking to a sip of Chardonnay while he downs his pints is a wise move. To make a good impression, you need control of your chatter and your body language.

Against: Why is a drunk woman so much worse than a drunk man? Anyway, don't these traditional types realise that wine is stronger than beer?

Verdict: Don't get drunk on a date. A drink or two can boost your confidence and help the conversation flow, but know your limits.

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Tradition 8: No email or texting

For: Email has turned dating into a business interaction. As for texting, where's the romance in C U SOON?

Against: Do you remember a world without mobiles, waiting on a windy corner for half an hour, thinking you've been stood up? And email is a huge boost for anyone shy about picking up the phone. It's only business-like if you make it so.

Verdict: Email and mobiles have given us control over our busy dating lives. They help you overcome shyness and, crucially, help you stay safe.

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Tradition 9: No snogging on the first date

For: If a relationship has any potential, let it unfold slowly. Have the confidence to wait. If he's keen, he'll wait for his snog, and more.

Against: Playing games is for children, and refusing to have a kiss on the first date is manipulative gameswomanship. You don't have to jump into bed, but rejecting a kiss is just rude.

Verdict: Give him a kiss, for heaven's sake. Life's too short.

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Tradition 10: He pays

For: A man who pays for your date is a man to hang onto. He's polite, generous and interested.

Against: Why should the contents of your trousers dictate who pays? There's no rational reason why the man should pay. Expect it, and he'll rightly think you're tight. Beware the man who insists on paying. He's trying to buy something, and it ain't coffee.

Verdict: Split the bill. If he asked you out and offers to pay, graciously accept. Once you've started seeing each other, split the bill or take turns.

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