Okay, guys. I know you are looking for some perfect insight into the female psyche here. Some magic spellbook or something that will make dating women so much easier. Well, this won't turn rocks into gold, but this basic guide to dating women will help you navigate your way through the opposite sex. First of all, put all your prejudices aside. This guide to dating women is not going to play on all of the stereotypes. Although there are generalities about women's behavior, which this guide to dating women will point out, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Really? Yep. There are women who, like me, love football. Not just love - obsess. However, we women are complex creatures too, because even though I think a great date would be tickets to a Bears game, I also love the ballet, symphony, and, yes, sappy movies. So no matter what a guide to dating women may tell you, always know that we all have a masculine side, too.

The first basic concept in this guide to dating women is that women like to be women. We don't like to be men. We are happy to be women. I cannot tell you how offended I get by men who don't open doors for me, pull out a chair, or offer for me to go first. We may be going dutch, but indulge my femininity. And don't insult my femininity by thinking I am weak, either. If I know how to fix a car, it is okay to be a little surprised, but don't make too big a deal out of it. Don't think you have to fight every guy that insults me, it happens. We know how to deal with it.

The second basic concept in the guide to dating women is to not treat us like we are women. Huh? It means that you shouldn't stereotype us all. Find out what our interests are when planning a date. I did just mention football, right? It would make a great date for me, but not another woman. Don't think that all women love roses. We don't. Some women have a sweet tooth, so send a cookie bouquet. Take the time to find out that you are dating a woman, not women in general.

Third part to the guide for dating women? Treat everyone with respect. If you cannot treat the waiter, counter help, valet, or anyone else offering their services with respect, we aren't going to think you'll respect us either. Tip well. I don't know many women who don't love a big tipper. Offer compliments when they are due. If your date comes out in a great looking dress, tell her. You don't have to make a huge deal out of the compliment, because then it would come off forced, but just that little statement will make a huge difference in your date.

The guide to dating women includes reading cues. Know your body language and hers, too. Learn the general forms of body language, and know real language for that matter. Crossed arms, lack of eye contact, even legs crossed away from you can signify that someone is not very comfortable and closed off. Stay loose and comfortable, and you should end up making her comfortable, too. Also, remember that "no" means "no." I know it has been said a number of times, but there are still men out there who think that a woman's body language is more telling. It is not. A woman will only go as far as she wants to go, and if she backs off, then you back off, too.

All in all, the biggest tip in the guide to dating women is to treat them with respect. Treat each woman like she is an individual deserving of your attention. Find out what she loves to do, who she is, and let her know that you are listening. Women eat that up, but beware of being false about it. We'll spit it out just as fast. If you are truly interested in a woman, it will show. And if you follow some of this basic advice, your woman will appreciate it, and you'll gain more insight into your date than you ever thought you could.