How many times have you met Mr. or Miss Wonderful, given him your phone number and never recieved a call back? Believe it or not, this is not a new trend. This is a dilemma women have been encountering since phones were created.

Can you imagine women waiting by the phone, jumping every time it rings, hoping it is the hot guy they met while out on the town? Well, I have seen friends do just that, and I am sure you also know someone who fits that description. I often wonder if men keep collections of phone numbers they?ve never called, just like women keep collections of old love letters.

Kelly Weekes, a senior, said, “Guys, don?t be shy. It is simple if you like the girl, then just pick up the phone and call.” Good advice.

This column was originally conceived as a bashing session on men who are inconsiderate and don?t call women after they say they will, but some women also play the game. Kathleen Davis, a Senior, said she is interested when she gets a number, but when it?s time to actually call, she is too busy or not as interested.

It has become evident that both men and women play the number game. One would think that at the college level, both are mature enough to have social interactions without playing childish games, but unfortunately they?re not. Even if you like the woman or man, the two-day rule says that you cannot call them for at least 48 hours, so that you don?t appear too desperate. However, if you wait too long, you risk the chance of being passed over for the next Mr. or Miss Wonderful that comes along.

Jon Staska, a senior, said the industry standard is the seven-day rule. I personally have never heard of the this rule, but he told me that all men know about it. So women, if men do not call for seven days, then maybe they are interested in getting to know you better, but they are trying to follow the so-called industry standard.

According to “The Bad Girls Guide to Getting What You Want,” if you want the men you meet to call you, write your number on their stomach in lipstick. The Bad Girl Guide says, “He?ll definitely remember you and if he goes home with another woman that night, you can be sure he won?t be getting any.” Boys and girls, why don?t we make this simple. Don?t ask for a number if you aren?t really interested; and women, do not give out your number if you know you will not be returning the call.

We all have enough stress in our lives with school and work, so everyone save yourself some time and only ask for a number if you are truly interested. If you had fun and enjoyed yourself, then just call. You don?t have to call them a second time.

E-mail Crystal Clark at [email protected]. Don?t be shy now.