Most of us are so unaccustomed to basic decency from men that the smallest gestures of mediocrity impress us. My friend told me she was impressed by her date because he “didn’t play on his phone during the date” and “paid attention” to her.

Um.

That is behavior that should be _expected_—a given, a no brainer! The fact that a man has basic manners and treats you like a human being should not impress you! You should automatically expect that out of him, and if he doesn’t extend basic decency and respect to you, you should get up and leave.

The next time you find yourself “impressed” by a man’s behavior, evaluate whether it was actually impressive (i.e. he did something extremely chivalrous and is going above and beyond to court you) OR if it’s just that your expectations and standards are extremely low.

Now, I understand. Many women’s expectations have been literally beaten into the ground by their past relationships, but honies, it’s time to raise the bar. The fact that homeboy, a fully grown adult male, can do his own laundry, should not have you swooning. Be appreciative of his maturity, but don’t be impressed by the expected.