Off the hook

A few months ago there was an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" guest starring Carrie Underwood. Underwood played Tiffany, a pharma sales rep Ted was totally enamored with. She showed just enough interest in him to keep him chasing after her, leading his friends to tell him that she had him "on the hook."

In other words, she was keeping him dangling.

We've all been there. He doesn't necessarily want to take you on a date, but he wants to come to your house and hang out. He's dating other women and may even have a girlfriend, but he tells you his secrets and tells you how great you are. He calls all the time and seems just enough into you that you tell yourself it's just a matter of time before he sees how great you are.

The problem is, he already realizes you're great. You know, in that asexual kind of way. You're awesome, you have a lot in common, and you're good enough to keep around in case things don't work out with the other women he's dating.

But do any of us really want to be the one he settled for? Or do you want to be the one?

So do us a favor guys, and stop being a hooker.