Ladies and gentlemen, I asked, and you responded.
    
My question exactly? I wanted input from the student body regarding what it is that you want the opposite sex to know. It could be anything from where you want to go on dates to pet peeves to specific qualities you find attractive.
    
So after careful consideration of all the responses, I’ve condensed the list to the 21 most important things a man should know. Now although today’s column is dedicated to the gentlemen, girls, don’t think I've forgotten about you! Check in next week for the women’s version, and let’s just say you won’t want to miss it! Thanks to all who contributed! Ya’ll are great. So here it is (in no particular order) ... Enjoy and be enlightened!
    
1. Never use "r" for "are" or "u" for "you" in texts. When talking to a girl you’re into, you should be able to take the time to fully type out the words. It may take a whole two seconds longer.
    
2. Always make plans for a date at LEAST three days in advance.
    
3. Don’t text or call friends of the girl you're into when you could just as easily ask her whatever it is that’s on your mind; it sends mixed signals, and plus, don’t you want to be talking to the girl you're into anyway?
    
4. A dinner date is always more romantic (and serious) than a lunch date.
    
5. Don’t go in for the first kiss on the first date. You can wait a week or two.
    
6. Don’t ask a girl whether or not she is a virgin via text message after only knowing her for 3 weeks (Yes, this has actually happened to one of my friends).
    
7. One or two letter texts are kind of unacceptable; “k” or “oh” or “ok.” You might as well not have even responded. But if you want to tick us off, go for it.
    
8. Treat a girl with the respect she deserves, like opening doors (Yes! Guys this came from one of you! I knew some of you out there didn’t believe chivalry is dead).
    
9. Using the words beautiful, amazing and gorgeous to describe a girl are much more flattering that hot or smokin’ or sexy.
    
10. Even though you made a mistake while you were drunk, you still made the mistake, and “I only did it because I was drunk” isn't a good excuse.
    
11. When at a bar/dance, never automatically come up to a girl assuming she wants to “grind.” She will make the move if she is feeling it, otherwise keep your distance and let her call the shots on the dance floor.
    
12. If there is something you need/want to talk to a girl about, bring it up yourself! Don’t rely on her to always bring it up first.
    
13. You will never fully (probably even partially) understand the mind of a female. It’s best to admit that before you begin a relationship. This will help you when you have stupid fights about things that aren’t a big deal. When you want to give up, just remember it is impossible to know each and every little thing she’s thinking and that is OK.
    
*BUT keep in mind, this is still not an excuse. Here’s where I tell you once again to communicate, communicate, communicate.
    
14. Don't ever say “I’m sorry for whatever it is that I did.” If a girl is upset with you, you should attempt to know what you did, and try to make matters better.
    
15. Know how to hold a fork and knife and eat with decent manners. This includes chewing with your mouth closed. (This is even a deal breaker for some!)
    
16. It’s OK to joke around, because, obviously, a sense of humor is desirable, but there are also times when it’s inappropriate.
    
17. Belching and passing gas is NEVER attractive.
    
18. Girls compare themselves to your ex-girlfriends and even celebrities you think are attractive, therefore sometimes it’s best to keep your opinion to yourself.
    
19. Be affectionate! Yes, even in public. A little PDA never hurt anyone.
    
20. If you say you’re going to text a girl, take her out, meet up with her, etc., DO IT. This pretty much means stay true to your word.
    
21. Girls want to be pursued, even after the relationship has begun. Just because the chasing is out of the picture doesn’t mean the romance should be, too.

—Kathryn Cunningham is a junior in psychology. She can be reached at kcunnin4@utk.edu