<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?><oembed><version><![CDATA[1.0]]></version><provider_name><![CDATA[The Dish]]></provider_name><provider_url><![CDATA[http://dish.andrewsullivan.com]]></provider_url><author_name><![CDATA[Andrew Sullivan]]></author_name><author_url><![CDATA[https://dish.andrewsullivan.com/author/sullydish/]]></author_url><title><![CDATA[A Guide To Mid-Century&nbsp;Dating]]></title><type><![CDATA[link]]></type><html><![CDATA[<p>Maria Popova <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/04/16/esquire-how-attractive-1949/">digs up</a> a 1949 questionnaire from <em>Esquire</em> that provides not-so-timeless advice for dating and romance. A sampling of the tips offered to ladies:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Do you knit when you are having a cozy, fireside evening with a man?</strong></p>
<p>For some reason, men hate to see a woman doing anything with her hands when talking to her. Undivided attention is best.</p>
<p><strong>Do you either play bridge or dance really well?</strong></p>
<p>If not, take steps to correct this at once. You’re better off if you do <em>both</em> well, but one talent is mandatory.</p></blockquote>
<p>For the men:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Would you dine a girl expensively and not buy her flowers, or economize on the place and bring her at least a gardenia?</strong></p>
<p>Most women would prefer having flowers and less to eat.</p></blockquote>
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