Dating sucks. A majority of our time is spent trying to figure out how to behave, deciding to be present, and deciphering if the person on the receiving end of our affection knows that this isn’t normal (for us). Being vocal helps, but it’s limited—secondary to the person’s priorities and perception. Do they expect this level of attention from everyone? Does it mean something to them like it does to you? Do they know that you entered this only with your heart in mind?

Out of nowhere, one of those casual “let me pick your brain” moments occurs. You giddily oblige because your affection is not based on a proximity or horizontal cha-chas… But as time goes on, it becomes less about the affection and more about the business savvy thoughts that riddle your mind. If this was supposed to be personal, why does it feel like business?

On the corner where romance and business intersect, remember that business always wins. The moment you cease to recognize that your personal life does not take precedence, you will be played. Take whatever semblance of emotional satisfaction you got up until now and go.

Caring for you was an in—sort of like one of those RetailMeNot coupons that people use so their purchases ship for free. It’s easier for someone to pretend that they care about you than pay for your time and expertise, no matter how genuine the emotion(s) may seem. The only thing left to do now is to move forward and evaluate if doing business with them is actually worth it. What is the return on your investment? What do YOU actually get out of it?

With that said… Don’t let a meeting you would have never take become a situation you consider giving the time of day.