Scrolling through your news feed on almost any social media outlet, it is easy to find a plethora of memes surrounding dating and what men and women should be doing. For example, a real man never makes his woman cry, or real women have curves. These expectations are wildly subjective and are not always reflective of, well, anything.

Gender stereotypes have been ingrained in us since the early Disney days. Princesses are typically young, fragile and weak, until their macho Prince Charming comes riding in offering a happily ever after. When you look closely at these story lines they teach women to be dependent on men, and men to be assertive in nature, in order to get the girl, of course. This story line of the female pining after and finally being saved by the man has evolved into much of our present day television culture. Sadly, it has affected the way we date.

Men are typically the ones who are supposed to seek women out and make the first move.

Disregarding the typo in this e-card that makes me cringe, the message behind it also makes me cringe. Yes, that is a very old-fashioned notion. We don't wear bonnets anymore and if a guy approached me in those knickers, I'd probably bitch-slap him with that there fold-a-fan and send him on his way. Men and women are mutually responsible for following through with a love interest, and it doesn't make you any less of a man if you lack the initiative.

This is a personal favorite. While holding doors open is an extremely courteous and a kind notion, it does not send your man-o-meter through the roof. I am perfectly capable of opening doors for myself. I've been doing it all my life and I even do it when men aren't around, too. Shocking.

The reverse of this statement is true as well. In a committed relationship, neither party should stop trying, man or woman. Showing affection is the No. 1 element that separates a romantic bond from a friendship. So if you're "real" or not, be prepared to show that you care, or you'll end up alone.

Honestly, I could go on for days with these. The next time you see a "real" meme, please make sure you take it for what it's worth. And ladies, remember this before your expectations of a real man let you down again: