Dating tips for men
First dates can be as harrowing as they can be exciting. What do I wear? Should I be a little late? Do we meet for a coffee or commit to a dinner? Who pays? Sometimes just staying at home seems an easier option.
Yes, going on a first date takes effort but take note ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got”. So like it or not, if you want to meet new people, first dates are necessary.
I run an introduction agency called Two's Company. This sees me organising 80 to 100 dates every week. I do follow ups after every first date. After seven years with my finger firmly on the pulse of the dating world; I have a very clear idea of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to gaining and keeping the attention of that special lady who has captured your heart!
So gentlemen with this in mind allow me to share with you my tried and true "dating tips for men".
A woman is looking for honesty and respect. Someone with a life of his own yet room enough to enjoy a fantastic relationship. She is looking for a man with integrity, friends and satisfaction in his chosen field of work and ambitions for the future. She loves confidence not arrogance, intelligence, the ability to articulate his thoughts and carry a thoughtful stimulating conversation. A great sense of humour and fun is fantastic as is decisiveness and a good work/life balance.
Now for some Do's and Don'ts:
DO:
With regard to your appearance; show her you've made an effort. If in doubt always dress up rather than down!
Give her some indication of how she should dress, she has no idea where you are taking her and she needs to have some clue so that she can prepare without stress.
Invest in some contemporary clothing!! Smart jeans, smart casual shirts and great shoes are a must.
If your hair needs cutting, get it cut. Trust me presentation is important; this is one investment worth making! Of course make sure you smell good, women love this.
Always focus on the now, DO NOT talk about your exs.
The most common piece of feedback I get from women is that men talk about themselves through the whole first date and seldom stop to ask the women about themselves. This is harmless enough. I explain it as men wanting to be upfront and to show they have nothing to hide. Maybe it’s to keep the conversation flowing, maybe its nerves. But if you want to be one step ahead of the rest of the blokes, stop and ask her an interesting question or two about herself. Stay away from boring, ‘what do you do for a job?” like questions and ask something a bit more exciting. What’s the strangest food you have ever eaten? What’s the worst date you ever had? Where is the most exciting place you have visited?
If you can remember what she tells you, you will impress her even more!
Be on time!!!
Preplan exactly where you will take her… take ownership of this one guys. Women LOVE it!
Do open doors for her. I know this sounds geeky but when you make a women feel more like a women, then in turn you feel more like a man.
Compliment her...she has gone to a lot of trouble to look good for you.
Offer her the seat with the best view.
Try and arrive first so that she’s not waiting alone.
Choose a busy, vibrant, interesting venue.
ALWAYS ALWAYS pay!! No matter what she says. Do not let her pay half. It's a matter of plain old fashioned chivalry.
DO NOT:
Be late, she will think your unreliable
Tell her everything, keep some mystery
Get hideously drunk
Talk or text on your phone unless emergency
Be rude to the waiting staff
Bring up your short comings – let her find out for herself!
Swear
Give her the impression that you are a party boy
Grab her and try and tickle her tonsils after your first date!
So you've met this lovely girl and you can't wait to see her again. What should you do? My advice, wait for the next day and send her a text to say how much you enjoyed the evening.
This my friend is guaranteed to get her attention, she will think she has met her very own Prince Charming!
Try it and see. Go on.... I dare you!
If you want to find the person who is perfect for you, Two’s Company can help.