Dating 101: Stacey is here to tell the truth and nothing but the truth
It's time to talk about all things lovey-dovey...
The world moves and we need to move with it, honey, or you'll get left behind.
READ: Private investigator provides 20 clues to help tell if your partner is cheating
As we keep up to date with what's hot and what's not we also have to stay on trend with dating rules, what are the do's and don'ts in a relationship, and what is "acceptable" dating behaviour in general.
It almost seems like we should all be taking dating classes just to figure out what we're doing wrong and what we're doing right. Although we love an educated queen, who has time for that?
READ: Dating expert shares important first date money tip for singles
So what's changed? As a matter of fact, has anything really changed?
When it comes to the rules of engagement in 2021 I think we'd be remiss if we thought that anything was the same as it was. Even two years ago!
READ: Mohale Motaung on Somizi: "I took my keys and walked out, he took a knife"
Chivalry is something that many people like to refer to when it comes to love. You would know that a man loves you because of all of these chivalrous actions.
"Men should be chivalrous and open doors, show up with bouquets of flowers and shower me with gifts," said every woman ever.
READ: WATCH: Man finds out girlfriend of 8 months is catfish through dramatic reveal
The way we love and show affection now is wildly different compared to how things were decades ago.
I think we need to understand that watching things like 'Bridgerton' and longing for corsets and horseback riding is a fantasy.
READ: Influencer has sold her love, which includes one date, for R3.6million
And I think it's also a little unhealthy, to be honest.
We have worked very hard as women to have our voice be heard, to be seen, to have equal pay, and I think the same rules apply.
READ: Connie Ferguson, wife of late Shona Ferguson, shares heartbreaking tribute
Don't get me wrong - I don't think that romance is dead!
There is definitely space for romance but romance can come from both sides. And SHOULD be initiated from both sides.
READ: WATCH: Woman shares story of #WorstDateEver that will leave you horrified
You teach people how to treat you, so if you're going to be aloof as a man or a woman from the start, if you're going to play games and play hard-to-get, if you're going to make it more complicated and dramatic than what it needs to be, the other interested party might have a look at this, do a quick tally up, and realise this "seems like a lot of work".
It's very important to best represent YOURSELF.
READ: "My baby daddy's family deliberately ignore me but want a relationship with my daughter"
So if you want to ask him out - ask him out, sis!
If you think she's beautiful - tell her that you find her very attractive!
READ: WATCH: Real housewife Christall Kay starts "dance trend" to 'Vula Mlomo'
Make a move, get it going, life is short and I think that these "social constructs" that have been sold to us are ridiculous. If anything they just limit you.
You're amazing, you're a star, you're the prize, so put yourself out there. You can't expect people to smell how you feel, so speak up.
READ: Navigating the grieving process with author of ' The Grief Handbook' Bridget McNulty
What's the worst thing that could happen? Somebody you swiped right on doesn't reply to your message? You'll be fine. There are other people and don't block your blessings. Put yourself out there, give it a try and if it doesn't work out, on to the next one!
You shouldn't micromanage yourself so much in the beginning and then people don't know who they are dealing with. I think that's ultimately always the risk that we run. Because please remember - if you are going to initiate some kind of false sense of who you are, good luck babes, you now have to maintain that for the rest of your relationship.
READ: SEE: DJ Zinhle is hiring and is happy to tell some people "please don't apply"
Now that's even more hard work than wearing a corset and riding a horse.
And trust me, I've ridden a horse like twice - do not recommend.
Main image courtesy of East Coast Radio