The Mandates: 25 Real Rules for Successful Gay Dating

by Dave Singleton

After many years of serial monogamy, Dave Singleton went to the front lines to find out how to win in the dating game as a gay man, exploring the lives of other gay men who found themselves on the dating fast track with guys they'd met from work, at the gym or bars and, increasingly, on the Internet. Thus The Mandates was born - a laugh-out-loud, but completely true set of rules about the making (or breaking) of men's romantic relationships.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400047021
• ISBN13: 9781400047024
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (CA)
• Length: 219 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Real

The bulk of the book is really smart and on target.Some of the writing is tongue in cheek, but I enjoyed that part, too. It's well put together and reads very "real" and personal. The author does a great job of weaving his own stories and advice in with the stories of men he interviewed.

Dead On

Dead on about gay men without being overly rules-y. Doesn't tell you that you have to get married to enjoy being in a relationship. Uses humor in an engaging way.

So Dead On About Real Behavior - That Makes It Hilarious

I like the author's "Been there, learned that" attitude. It's not like serious "you must do this to get a lover" rules, which was a huge relief. I related to the stories from other guys and it was perfect for the beach last weekend. It's best when it's both funny and wise like with these chapters that I really liked: -The "Hurry Up But Hold Back Factor"-Men Want What They Want When They Want It, Don't We? -Eager Beavers Gnaw Quickly Then Drown. -Be Your Own "Judge Judy" With Relationship Mistakes: Evaluating Heinous Vs. Forgivable Sins.

Awesome, this guy rocks

I loved this book, and am coming back to buy two more for friends. At first I thought it would just be funny, but then I read it and didn't put it down all night. It's funny as hell for sure, but it's straight up, smart, and I related to a lot of the stories from the guys in the book. I am 27, have been out for about three years and dating (endlessly???! it seems). Stuff from the book has stayed with me, it was really helpful. Best book on dating other guys I've read.

Fun AND Functional

I was surprised at how excellent this book is. After having perused the run of dating "how to" books, I had admittedly low expectations - but Dave Singleton gives advice, perspectives, and thought-provoking stories in a way that's entertaining, engaging, and - most importantly - respectful of the reader. I was most impressed by the book's approach, that dating is a process toward whatever goal the reader might have - monogamy, dating a couple of guys, whatever. That and the positive, encouraging, but never condescending or "talking down" tone of the book made it a lot of fun to read - and a functional tool in the world of gay male dating.I just bought a dozen copies of this for all my dating gay male friends. Thanks, Dave!