smoke

This bullshit only happens to me: I was recently contacted via an online dating site by a woman for whom smoking is a deal breaker.
I found this a bit odd; I mean, who would take the initial step and e-mail someone who they have a big problem with a particular lifestyle choice, right? Thinking she may have inadvertently overlooked my smoking, I alert her to this. Guess what? She acknowledges being aware of my smoking and then proceeds--without provocation, let alone not having met me before or engaging in a prior conversation--to put aside all tact and harshly criticize me for partaking in the habit. Yes, I gave her a piece of my mind. But, are you fucking kidding me?

i'm a believer (dating common sense: rule #218)

Sure, you need to open yourself up to the possibility of a new relationship, but it doesn't hurt to bring a little bit of skepticism to the party, just in case. However, when a woman tells you she's "a mess" or worse, "a train wreck", take her at face value immediately. Otherwise you will pay dearly for not heeding what is in essence her warning to you. Seriously, dude.