My personal opinion is that when men tell women they want 'a solid friendship first', or that they are 'not ready for a relationship' yet are on a dating website not because they are ready to commit, but 'just to get themselves out there', it should be considered a red flag, and if the woman is looking for commitment she should move on immediately.

It is true that sometimes perseverance pays off, like in the case of 'Waity Katie' and Prince William. However, most women who wait around for years and expect a man who is more interested in drinking and partying with other girls to eventually realise she is the one they want to marry, mostly end up disappointed. Or at the very least they end up waiting around for a long time and eventually the guy settles down with them out of convenience, not real love. And these initial strains will show up again further down the road and endanger their marriage.

In my personal experience, when a man really likes a woman and wants a relationship with her, he makes it obvious from very, very early on. He will be on his best behaviour with her, he will be the one asking to see her more often, and he will be the one asking for commitment.

Discuss.