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!