Dating Advice for Men

Dating Advice for Men

The first most important rule is to relax and just be you.

Clothes

Wear something you feel comfortable in, but make an effort and dress for the occasion. Don't wear your football strip to a nice restaurant and don't get out your tux out to go to the pub (unless of course you are 'wacky' students).

Don't talk about ex-girlfriends and celebrities about whom you fantasize. Also try not to talk to her chest. It is a sad fact that a lot of women do report that men do this. It’s ungracious and not nice.

Avoid talking about yourself too much and ask questions, without also talking about her. Make sure you listen attentively to her. You have to make her feel like she's the only woman in the room, without glaring at her all night and making her feel uncomfortable.

Establish Common Interests

Try to establish a common interest early on, so you can both talk with equal enthusiasm about it e.g. a country you've both visited or a hobby.

Correct Body Language

Body language is important. Don't be closed off with arms and legs folded tighter than a cabinet minister in his local dungeon. Look confident and relaxed, but you need to suit the environment – don’t sit like a loose limbed chimpanzee on Valium. Be receptive to her body language. If she leans in, you should too, don't shy away because she will. If she seems guarded try to make her feel more comfortable by telling a funny story or lightening the mood. Men with manners are very sexy, but only if you’re natural with it. Open doors for her, pull her chair out for her and generally be thoughtful. If you've asked her out on the first date, I'm afraid you really should pay.

Eating

If you are eating out, choose your food carefully. Don't starve yourself but gluttony is not an attractive quality on a first date. Don't eat too fast and don't order something you'll get all round your chops and spill down your clean shirt - also not attractive. Don’t tuck your napkin into your shirt neck. Avoid Spaghetti Bolognese and garlic, onions and smelly food might impose on the end of night kiss!

Mobile Phones

Make sure your mobile phone is turned off. To send/receive text messages or calls appears rude, because it means she hasn't got your full attention. Don’t show her phone pics of all your friends – it’s the modern equivalent of the holiday slide show.

Drinking

Don't get too drunk unless of course your date is. Have a few drinks so you are sociable and more laid back but do not drink to excess. Women tend to go off men who collapse halfway through a date shouting angrily about their ex. If she's knocking them back (and lets face it we have all had dates like this) then by all means join in but modesty is preferable, because first impressions are important and it's nice for a man to be on his best behaviour.

End of the Date

At the end of the date, don't be too pushy, a few beers and a bag of chips are not going to get you a home run (usually). Read the situation. A gentlemanly kiss on the cheek or lips is advisable, but if the mood takes you both, a quick snog's fine. After about 5 minutes of tonsil hockey you could try, and then only tentatively, using your hands more – if she stops you then stop. You should respect that. Don't imply you want sex on the first date because you don't want her to think that you only went out with her for sex (small fibs are good here… and there’s always the second date)! Be a gentleman. Don't move too fast, as having sex on the first date is not the best way to start a relationship and if you like her, call when you say you will!