Wait Training

Use of technology in dating is leaving my single girlfriends bewildered and annoyed. For example, one went on a date with this guy. The date went well, then silence...for two weeks -- until he texted her, inviting her over for dinner. She's irritated that he didn't even call, and that he waited so long, and is considering not accepting. Is texting instead of calling a valid reason to write a guy off?

--Wondering

Not every guy's a talking-on-the-phone person, and that's okay, but there's much to be said for polite timing. Texting a girl the day after a date (even just "great time, call u soon") says a guy's interested. Texting two weeks later says he's explored every other option, including hookers and suicide, and settled for her. Unless this guy followed up his text by calling from a hospital bed and explaining "A dog ate my iPhone -- and part of my arm," he should no longer be in the running. Behavior predicts behavior. It also illustrates character (like an interest in others' feelings). But, let's say vanishing for two weeks without a word (or even a "wrd") is out of character for this guy. He might've redeemed himself if he'd just manned up -- called to express some remorse for disappearing and apologized. At least then he'd be telling your friend "I know I don't get to do this to you" instead of "You seem like a woman who lets men walk all over her. My turn Tuesday at 7:30? And don't worry, I promise -- no hard-soled shoes or muddy hiking boots until the third date."