A prospect's interest in you. (Something new.)

Funny, I've always heard that men call the shots. They set the pace on commitment more often than women, even though women typically set the pace on intimacy.

All of the above. And I'm wondering from the more experienced daters out there if they find this to be true - that is, if usually the best relationships just work on their own...they have difficulties like any other relationship, but they're minimized and the people don't have to struggle to communicate. Also, if usually the two people having equal or similar interest results in the healthiest of relationships.

Your comments re woman being in control of the dating game appears to be driven from a lack of self esteem on your behalf. Work on this and watch the women chase you!!!

Good luck!

All relationships take work - and from both parties...every day. Even friendships. But if one person is working more than the other in the beginning, the chances of success are not that great.

So, yes, I think interest has to be pretty much at the same level.

It's not much different than any other social interaction. If a neighbor invites you to dinner, it's good to be gracious and thank them in some way. Inviting them back in return or offering to bring something to dinner, like a bottle of wine. Delivering a Mercedes to their front door would probably be overkill.

If someone you're interested in seems less inclined to return that interest, it's good to dial it back a notch. Not play games, but let it progress organically, which it can't do if one person is trying to force it - or has an agenda in mind. Communication differences can be worked out but, again, it takes two people who have a good level of self-awareness and maturity to do so.

In the short term, love is a feeling. You feel attracted to someone. You want to pay attention to them and have them pay attention to you. In the long run, I think love is a choice. This is where committment comes in. You make the committment that every day you're going to act in a loving way...even on days when you aren't necessarily feeling it - and there are plenty of those.

The Female is always in charge of selecting the mate. have you never watched a discovery or animal planet show?