Online dating isn't talked about much here, but for me it's been a gold mine. Think about it, there's no AA and you can build attraction and comfort before you even meet.

That luxury comes with a price. You aren't forced to think on your feet quickly because messages and texting give you an opportunity to think of a response. This will hurt you in person.

On to the field report. Met this girl, we'll call her Sarah, at a bar of my choosing. As I was parking she texted me that she was sitting at the bar and commented that it was a nice choice. Good so far. I'd rather have the girl wait for me as it'll make her feel relieved when I arrive. No one wants to sit at a bar alone wondering if they're going to get stood up.

I picked a bar that has board games because I think it takes the pressure off the conversation. We walk over to a table and she sits right across from me. Totally normal, but I like being somewhat side by side to make kino easier. It's not easy to tease-poke someone when they're sitting right across from you. To make up for that loss I would tease her about her bangs and brush them out of her face or pick up her hand and tease her nail polish color. Here's where that comfort from texting comes in. I already warned her before the date that I would be teasing her about her bangs.

We have some pretty interesting conversations and I realize I'm leaning in on the table. Wtf? Truth be told, I was really getting into her. She's pretty smart and drop dead gorgeous. But, rules are rules for a reason. Once I became aware of it I leaned back in my chair. Some more teasing and I noticed she starts playing with her hair.

At this point I should have tried to bounce some place else because the conversation started getting stale and could sense her losing interest. But I didn't and tried to make up for it by ending on a high note of my choosing. So after I got another laugh out of her I checked my phone and said we should probably call it a night.

At this point I was pretty sure she wasn't interested. She didn't really flirt back, didn't try to make physical contact with me, and paid me no compliments. But, that's no excuse not to test the waters. I wanted proof.

I offer to give her a ride home (she took the train) and she agrees. As we walk toward my car I man up and go for her hand. If she pulls away, I'll know for sure. Weeeell, we just happened to pass a group of vagabonds on the street and she goes "did you grab my hand because we just passed them?" I replied "I'm not racist. I had a good time with you and I wanted you to know". She goes "oh. Okay" and doesn't let go of my hand. Sweet.

We get to my car and I'm still not convinced. We chit chat a little more before I turn the car on and then as she's talking I smirk and go "oh yea? Uh huh yea?" And go for the kiss. She did not object.

Now, I've gone on tons of these internet dates. Many of them bombed, some ended with K and F closes, but they all make you second guess yourself. Especially if you're into one of them.

The lesson is this. Always act as if she IS interested. If she isn't, she'll let you know. Don't think yourself into inaction.

Pro tip. I went for the kiss BEFORE I dropped her off because if she denied me I could joke about it and be totally cool the whole ride to her place. If the last thing she does is reject you before she gets out of the car, you probably won't get the second date.