Recently, I read a book that changed my life. My outlook on dating has completely changed after reading He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.

Every girl needs to read this (and guys could also learn a thing or two from it).

The authors outline excuses women use for the flaws in the men they’re dating such as: “But he’s got a lot on his mind and maybe he wants to take it slow.”

But then they wrap it all up by stressing the bottom line, if a guy likes a girl, he is going to want to spend time with her and call her. Otherwise, he’s just not that into her.

With that said, I was inspired to make my very own college version of “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

I am a strong believer in chivalry, and I think it’s dying with our generation.

For some reason, guys think inviting you to their “buddy’s house for some brews” is a date – it’s not. You don’t need tons of money for a date – take her to the park for a walk or a picnic, or, in this weather, go sled riding following hot chocolate. Get creative.

Although, not being asked on real dates is the least of some girls’ problems.

Some guys can’t even take the time to call the girls they are dating.

No matter how many tests they have or how many hours they have to work, every guy has at least five free minutes to talk – think about it.

Girls always fall for charming “I’ve been so busy” excuses, but if a guy is really into you, you will top his priorities.

Here are just a few examples my friends and I have recently experienced:

• If the guy you’re dating is sober, not doing anything important and won’t pick you up from the bar – he’s just not that into you.

This goes for rides to class. Or, if he won’t let you shack at his house for a shorter walk to class in the morning – he’s just not that into you.

• If he won’t be “in a relationship” with you on Facebook, or writes a generic/corny message on your Facebook wall instead of picking up the phone – he’s just not that into you.

• If he comes back from spring break and you’re not the first person he wants to see – odds are those red bumps he contracted aren’t from the sun.

• If he has a food plan and won’t occasionally meal plan you, or he stops at Circle K and doesn’t ask you if you want a Polar Pop too – he’s just not that into you.

• If he doesn’t want to spend his birthday with you and doesn’t care about the cake you baked for him – let your roommates have it.

• If you haven’t heard from him at all during freshman move-in week – he’s just not that into you.

• If he gets nervous or mad when you pick up his phone – not only is he not into you, but chances are he’s hooking up with your best friend.

• If you think there is something going on with him and his ex-girlfriend – there is.

Lesson learned.

Jessica Lumpp is a sophomore magazine journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].