Some friends have been on the road lately. The daring dating road, that is. I thought I should be kind today and do something to help them.

It's easy to be in a relationship. You dress up and go out Saturday night and it's likely you'll end the night with several prospects to choose from the next day when you want to have coffee. But if you're thinking of something worth your while, being in a relationship is never easy. It's work, it's being patient, it's opening up yourself, and it's more work. So before any of my friends reach the moment of truth and decision, I hope they'll find this helpful.

Do the boyfriend test to see if he's truly boyfriend material:
Credit: Ken Hanes

ï‚· If he has growth potential, +3
ï‚· If he listens to you, +5
ï‚· If he communicates with you, +5
ï‚· How many exes does he have? One or less per year, +1; Two or more per year, -2; Zero and he's been out more than three years, -2
ï‚· How many exes is he friends with? +1 per ex
ï‚· If an inordinate number of his exes seem to be in prison, -3
ï‚· If he seems genuinely bewildered as to why his last partner took out a restraining order against him, -5
ï‚· If he has values and morals similar to yours, +3
ï‚· If he puts handcuffs on you without asking, -3
ï‚· If he asks if you love him after one date, -2
ï‚· If he says he loves you during the first date, -2
ï‚· If he scratches his pubes in public, -2
ï‚· If he has Dianetics in a prominent place in his home, -2
ï‚· If he owns any of Paul Monette's book, +1 per book
ï‚· If he shows up for your date already sloshed, -2
ï‚· If he passes out on your first date, -2
ï‚· If he tries to talk you out of safer sex, -10
ï‚· If he's uncomfortable holding your hand in public, -1
ï‚· If he has to take a shower the second you finish having sex, -1

Scoring:
Zero or under Forget him; keep looking
1-5 Date him if you want, but keep your eyes open
6-11 Possible compatibility. Give the guy a chance
12-18 Super potential
19 and above Forget him. He's lying

Above all, go with your instincts