Welcome to our series of articles on the singles scene in Tel Aviv. Life, love, and lust, all wrapped up in a Middle Eastern glow and penned by the wonderful Pixi…if you’re easily offended, look away now!
The ‘Other’ Ten Commandments……dating in Tel Aviv
This country is bound by rules and regulations that distinguish it from others. Some are religious, others military and there are those that apply only to Tel Aviv. Hand picked from the Holy Book of dating, these ‘Ten Commandments’ are for all to obey….
1) Thou shalt not expose real intentions from the start
A guy looking for sex will spend hundreds of shekels wining and dining their date with the danger of misleading her into thinking it’s something serious. A girl will play the ‘casual’ game, hiding her true romantic intentions, all in the name of making a good first impression.
2) Thou shalt play hard to get
You go out on a great date and then you decide not to call. Well that just makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? It’s almost a crime to message the next day to say you had a great time. God forbid they know you are into them!
3) Thou shalt not have sex before the third date
The ‘Third date’ rule is a favorite among Telavivians. The more popular it gets, the less logical it seems.
4) Remember the Sabbath day to avoid it
Dates on the weekend are a big NO because the city is full of kids. For more intimate times, try Wednesday or Tuesday nights at your favorite bar.
5) Thou shalt not commit adultery….with a few exceptions
Fear of commitment is a well known phenomenon here in Tel Aviv. Nobody likes to close off their options, even if they have found the perfect partner. Don’t assume it’s exclusive if you haven’t talked about it.
6) Honor your father and mother – just don’t live with them
Apparently anyone who lives with their parents loses valuable dating points. I don’t understand why – free food, folded washing and the option to save a shekel or two…..doesn’t sound so bad to me!
7) Thou shalt keep a strict checklist
Not since the 17th century has class, profession and stature meant so much. The idea of ‘Mr right’ is non existent but it doesn’t stop people from trying to find perfection in every date they go out with. Good luck there….
8) Thou shalt let the man pay
My least favorite out of all the dating rules. Why should these poor guys spend half their month’s salary on trying to impress a girl? Times are tough, we are all struggling – I recommend that we all share the cost of dating.
9) Thou shalt keep thy date hidden from thy friends
This one is as strange to me as the Third Date rule. Your date will meet your friends eventually, so why go to so much effort to keep the two worlds apart?
10) Thou shall not appear too eager
This is definitely one rule that should be stricken from the rule book because it prevents us from experiencing those great moments – a spontaneous kiss, a bold first move and above all,
honesty….
Read more great stuff from Pixi here.