I'm on a dating strike!

Recently me and a couple of my girlfriends have decided to have a dating strike.  ...I know, sounds kinda lame.. but until conditions improve in the dating world, I'm just not doing it anymore. 

Just because I'm independent and driven, doesn't give guys the right to stop trying!  If you ask a girl out, you need to pick her up!  ...not meet her at the theater or at the restaurant.  Vaccuum your car, take a shower, put on a clean shirt and put some gel in your hair!  What's that take?  30 minutes?  45 minutes? 

When I get ready for a date, I go all out.  I get my eyebrows waxed, paint my fingernails and toenails, deep condition and straighten my hair, wear a dress and high heels, get the makeup done, moisturize... that's half a day's worth of preparation!  ...and for what?  So I can meet a guy at the theater that looks like he just rolled out of bed?!  No thanks.

I hate to say it... but I think chivalry is dead.  It's not that we need it... but it's nice to have.  It makes me feel like a princess when a guy opens doors and pulls out my chair for me... pays me a (genuine) compliment...  The last time a guy showed up to pick me up for a date and actually brought flowers was when i was 16 years old! 

Maybe I'm just a romantic, or maybe I'm just old fashioned...  Romance... chivalry... manners... they're all connected.  It shows respect for yourself and respect for your partner.