  The following is a guest TOTD and a perfect opportunity to try out my blog (www.totdqotd.blogspot.com) which allows you to respond with comments to the writer.
On to the guest TOTD by Jay Weisberger... So, several friends of mine (on both the East and West Coasts) were discussing something that affected a few of us and I think there needs to be a larger discussion to reach a consensus. Then, someone needs to publish the results in some sort of peer reviewed dating journal. Here was the initial conversation: You’re dating someone, with some sort of exclusivity and things are going swimmingly. Or maybe they are not, say, you had a fight or something. Either way, let’s say that person suddenly stops calling you out of the blue, despite some spoken terms of dating (in other words, this isn’t someone you’re just going out with to see what happens, you are actually trying a more formal relationship). There may be circumstances you know about (sickness in the family, or something personal of that sort) or not. The question is, though, how long is the “statute of limitations” on your relationship if you just flat out don’t hear for someone and cannot get in touch with them through a variety of means? Essentially, how long until you are, by default, single? From talking to several people who have been in situations like this, and form some personal experience, we’re saying about 10 days.
This means, even if someone had a parent die, is laid up in a hospital somewhere or simply lost a cell phone, 10 days is ample time for that person, or someone who is friends with that person, to make a quick phone call or write two lines of e-mail. If that’s not happening, you are freed from any obligation to said relationship. Is this a realistic proposal?
My thinking is that if you are important enough to someone, they can let you know what’s going on even in the worst of times. Even if it’s just a “heads up” that he or she is busy, but wanted to say hello and let you know what’s happening. If they cannot do that, over 10 days, you’re back on the market. Discuss. QOTD - "I wish dating was like slaying. You know, simple, direct, stake through the heart, no muss, no fuss. " - Nicolas Brendon as 'Xander' on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" 
