R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I can't get no respect.

What I need to find out is why people like to think they can be totally disrespectful to me. It's like a pattern is forming. I get close to someone, things seem to be going well, and then 'poof' they disappear. No decency, no goodbye, no warning whatsoever...they're just gone. And they expect me to be okay with that? What am I supposed to do just lie down and take it? Do I give off that impression? Am I a pushover? Granted, I try and be accommodating, to be understanding, laid-back and easygoing, because, well, that's what I look for in another person. I mean I'm a big believer in that whole "do unto others" golden rule. So yeah I try to be a nice guy, especially when I really like the person, but still they just disappear, they won't talk to me, they won't give me a reason, they're just gone.

I feel like I always have to be the bigger person, the mature one. I just have to take the punches because I'm a good guy and I know better. But come on people, can I get just a little respect?

Here are my rules for dating:

1. We go out. Whoever picks the venue does the paying...if you go out more than once then payment should be traded-off.
2. If things go well after a couple dates then we talk about whether we're interested in becoming exclusive.
3. If things aren't going well, for either of us, and we have dated each other more than once then communication is a MUST. We have the responsibility of telling each other that it's just not working for ANY reason...it's not like we're committed yet, so either person has a right to pull out whenever they want. But be cool and make sure to communicate it, don't just disappear!
4. If we decide to become exclusive then regular rules for relationships apply.

My #1 rule is to ALWAYS COMMUNICATE! As long as you are being honest then I don't care what you say, because it's always better than just going away and not saying anything at all.