Engage’s VP of Love, Trish McDermott popped up on CNN last week to chime in on the mixed messages people receive when dating. It seems guys are confused about the signals women are sending in relationships. Says Trish:

“For all the communicating singles are now doing using the plethora of social media available to them, men and women still aren’t necessarily hearing each other. Most men still think they should pay for the first date, but most women don’t agree. On the other hand, women still expect gentlemanly courtesies such as having the door held open for them.”

Trish’s commentary helps men decode the signals. Of course, as our VP of Love, we think Trish is always fabulously insightful when it comes to the dating game. Her advice also illustrates why it’s so important to get a reality check from your friends when you’re dating. What if someone is really into you but you’re missing the signals?

When in doubt, ask a friend for their read on the situation and you might discover that the super cute and sassy object of your affection is totes reciprocating your interest — but you’re just so wrapped up in disbelief that you’re missing the super obvs cues. Or you could just subject yourself to a life of unanswered questions about “What might’ve been.” But where’s the fun in that?