A no-strings man doesn't want to involve you in his life. His friends are more important than you are, so he won't chat to you about them and he certainly won't introduce you. If your friends were to turn up in the pub, he'd make his excuses and leave.

5. He chooses your date venue

It's especially easy to spot a player if you go to the cinema. A man who joins you for a chick flick is either gay or really interested in you. A man who insists on seeing Watchmen - when you don't know what Watchman is - is only taking you to the pictures because he wants sex afterwards.

6. He's dismayed by a gift

If you've been chatting online for a while, you might think it's nice to bring along a little pressie. Big risk.

If he opens it with blushing pleasure and says 'my turn next time,' you're doing well. If he says 'you shouldn't have,' goes silent and looks uncomfortable, he's terrified that you're about to start sending out wedding invitations.

7. He asks you to go Dutch

This is a tricky one. Not all bill-splitting men are just after sex, and not all bill-payers are after a relationship. In fact, lavishing you with drinks and dinner is part of the player's sex-getting strategy.

However, our quick poll of male daters revealed that most men would want to 'treat you' and 'be the man' on a first date if they wanted a relationship. 'I'd only ask a woman to go Dutch if I didn't care what she thought of me,' says Simon, 38. 'We'd split the bill, have sex and say goodbye in the morning. Casual and independent.'

8. He can't keep his hands off you

If you're on a 10th date with a guy who can't control his public displays of affection, lucky you! Always nice to have a boyfriend who thinks you're the sexiest thing alive.

But most men will only paw you on a first date if they don't want a relationship. They know that women want gentlemen, but if they're only after sex they don't care about the impression they're making.

9. He doesn't chat or cuddle after sex

Once he's got you back to his place (or yours) for sex, it'll be fast and furious. He won't spend time worrying about how to please you, because he's the one who counts. Afterwards, he'll roll over and sleep the sleep of the thoroughly shagged.

10. He doesn't call

If a man doesn't call after you had sex on a first date, it doesn't mean that he's shy or playing hard to get. It means he's got what he wanted. Recommended reading: He's Just Not That Into You.

A man who really likes you will call, probably within 24 hours of your first date. It won't be a booty call, either. He'll want to chat, and to hear the sound of your voice, and he'll be terrified. Be nice to him - he could be around for a while.

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