Ask anyone - any age, in any city. The whole dating thing - it's just a game. Whose move is next and who's holding the ball and of course who's hoping to score. I am quite good at playing games. I was Scrabble champion in third grade thanks to a brilliant play of C.R.A.Z.Y. on a triple word score. I spent summer of '99 undefeated in Connect Four. And I can even play Twister in a dress and high heels. Now that takes skill.

The only game I am not good at is the dating game. The problem is I don't know the rules. In the 1950s, the rules were simple. Boy calls. Boy asks Girl to go on a dinner / movie date. Boy pays. Now it's far more complicated. Boy does not call, he texts to ask Girl out on non-date dates. Sometimes Boy pays. Sometimes Girl pays. Sometimes Boy wants Girl to offer to pay but then eventually pays. With all the new dating rules, what the hell is a girl to do?

Over a casual diner dinner last week, I sought the advice of one of my best guy friends. We are both involved in pseudo relationships. He has this girl who he wants to end something with. I have this boy who I want to start something with. Together, we compiled a list of the rules of dating do's and don'ts. Here's the Top Five:Dating Rules...

1) Don't make-out.

No - I'm not saying don't EVER make-out. That's straight up crazy talk. Just don't make- out on the first night. This sends some undeniably unflattering signals. Signal #1: You probably make-out all the time. Signal #2: You probably make-out with anyone. Combine #1 with #2 and that makes you a make-out whore. Sounds fun / flirty, right? Wrong. If the game were chess, a make-out whore would be a pawn. No one wants a pawn because it has no value. They want a queen. Be a queen - and you'll be treated like one. Don't make-out on the first night.

2) Don't drink all the time.

Again - I'm not saying don't EVER drink. In this city, having cocktails is more common (and more fun) than having kids. But when you're having cocktails all the time - you're probably not having deep philosophical conversation If you want to date someone seriously, you should get to know them on a serious level. And then you should see them in a more serious light. Not just the dim and flattering light of a bar. See them in daylight. Trust me - this could make a big difference.

3) Don't call more than once.

Think of a game of tennis. The caller has to serve the ball. Immediately, the ball is in their court. All the pressure is on you. You're hoping to get it over the net. You're hoping to get it in between those white lines. You're hoping they hit the damn ball back to your side so the fun can start. If they don't return the ball (a.k.a. the call) - don't keep calling. Don't keep hitting balls over there - they'll be balls flying all ove the place! Just call once. And see what happens.

4) Don't be desperate.

Dating and poker are the same in that - it's all mental. Putting on your poker face. Raising the stakes. You gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. But don't put all your cards out on the table! If you start dating someone, don't declare them to be the "one" and turn desperate. Don't stalk their facebook wall or plan your weekends around them. They could be bluffing. Remember you have a life, so live it. Don't put everything you got on a hand unless you know it's a winner.

5) Don't play by the rules.

Seriously! If dating could be deduced to five easy steps to get a successful relationship - then it wouldn't be any fun. The best part about games is taking chances. So have fun and stop worrying. There's no way that one bad move can end a relationship. There's always that Get out of Jail Free card ...

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