In this day and age, somehow it's still hard to be friends with someone of the opposite gender. And what do you do when they interpret your last 10 hangout times as 'dates' and you still think they're just fun to hang out with?

Recently a male friend told me how he hung out with his female coworker ten times and then she told him she really liked him. Like, liked him liked him. Whereas he saw those times as 'just friends.' This is when you definitely need to be very, very clear with someone. Once or twice even is OK. However, if you just met someone, oftentimes the sexual tension/expectation is always going to be there. If you're sure that BOTH of you have gotten past that and you can be pure good friends then great. Keep hanging out. However, if you sense that the other person is not on the same page as you. Either you're interested romantically or vice versa, you need to reinstate your intentions before things get too out of line and then someone really gets hurt after more time goes by and you two get closer.

Even recently, this happened to me--people got hurt (both of us in the end)--because of different expectations or hopes. I know I was very clear from the very beginning. I stated a few times over email from the very first email throughout the first and second month that I was only looking for a friend. I kept it in generalities, but I said I definitely was not looking for a relationship right now. I thought he was OK with it at the time. But now in looking back, I realize he never responded directly to my comments of intended singlehood and was probably harboring hopes I knew not of.

What do you do if you're afraid of seeming too arrogant by coming right out and saying, "I'm sensing you want us to be more than just friends, am I right?" You can speak in generalities if that feels easier and more euphemistic, but still be clear. Say that you just can't handle a relationship right now (maybe it's a half-lie, it's OK---better than leading the person on by not saying anything at all) and really hope that you two can stay good friends. You can even say their friendship means alot to you.

More on First Date Pet Peeves next time! Feel free to add your's!