Men, Stop! Listen To This Advice

Summary

The article provides guidance to men on avoiding common mistakes during a first date to improve their chances of securing a second date.

Abstract

The article titled "Men, Stop! Listen To This Advice" outlines ten critical errors men should avoid on a first date to ensure a positive experience and increase the likelihood of a follow-up date. The advice ranges from maintaining appropriate social behavior and honesty to choosing the right setting for conversation and demonstrating good hygiene. It emphasizes the importance of active listening, respecting personal boundaries, and taking initiative while also being attentive to the woman's signals and cues. The article aims to help men navigate the complexities of dating etiquette and make a lasting, favorable impression.

Opinions

The author believes that honesty is crucial and that men should not exaggerate their achievements to impress their date.
The article suggests that men should avoid noisy venues for a first date to facilitate meaningful conversation and connection.
It is the author's opinion that men should be upfront about their expectations regarding finances on a date, such as whether they expect to split the bill.
The author advises against discussing past relationships excessively, particularly focusing on negative aspects of previous partners.
The article conveys that men should lead during the date, making decisions with confidence to demonstrate their masculinity.
It is emphasized that men should be perceptive to non-verbal cues and respect the pace at which their date is comfortable with physical contact.
The author stresses the importance of basic grooming and hygiene practices, including showering, brushing teeth, and wearing clean clothes.
Punctuality is highlighted as a sign of respect for the date's time, with the author suggesting that being on time or early is preferable.

10 things a man should never do on the first date

Dating can be a complex game if you don’t understand the rules. It’s like being stuck in the middle of a basketball game and thinking you’re playing rugby. In the past, my dating game was weaker than a cup of Folger's coffee. There were plenty of mistakes made and I had to learn my lessons the hard way. In this article, my goal is to save you some time and embarrassment. If you follow the advice given, you might not get laid on the 1st date, but it will help you land that important 2nd date. These are the things every man must NOT do on the first date:

10. Do Not be creepy! This goes without saying but there are too many men out there that lack social skills and thus may come off as creepy. Do Not stare at her breasts or other parts of her anatomy. Inappropriate touching will also get you into the (No way in hell will I see him again) category. Do Not rub on her back or thigh without first receiving signals. (See #3)

9. Do Not Lie about your accomplishments! There is no reason to lie on the first date. Do Not tell her you are a rocket scientist or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Those lies will only come back to bite you later on. Be yourself, and with that, be a truly interesting and amazing person.

8. Do Not choose a loud or noisy spot for the 1st date! If you go to a noisy venue such as a club or concert, make sure you take her for coffee or ice cream before or after to converse. This date is all about getting to know each other and finding out if there is any chemistry. It’s impossible to find this out without real dialogue.

7. Do Not wait to tell her about your stance on paying for the date! If you believe in going Dutch on your date, that’s fine. However, be an adult and make sure you tell her this before asking her out. The worst thing is when a man tells a woman that he isn’t paying for her dinner as the waiter/waitress is bringing out the check. Let the woman decide if that’s something she is comfortable with. Or find a date that is free like meeting at a park, going to a museum, taking a walk/hike, etc.

6. Do Not Go on and on about your ex! Don’t even bring up your past relationships without being prompted. It’s okay to briefly mention your ex as it relates to your current status. If she asks specific questions about your ex, answer them honestly but avoid speaking negatively about them if possible. You don’t want to come across as bitter or angry. Instead, talk about the growth and learning experiences that have been gained from your last relationship.

5. Do Not listen just to respond! This is something that everyone should practice in conversations. So often, we are biting our tongue not to interrupt while we wait for our turn to speak. Instead, we should actively listen to what the other is saying and then give our retort. The conversational threads will weave together in harmony when this is being used by both parties.

4. Do Not forget to be a man! Take the lead on your date. There are many ways a man can show his masculine qualities and leading the date is one of the best. Choose the venue where you will meet, pick the table to sit at a restaurant, and lead the conversations you have. She will be receptive as long as you decide decisively and with confidence.

3. Do Not ignore hints! Taking risks is an important part of life and is a great way to have success. However, this doesn’t apply to dating. A woman will give you plenty of hints and your actions should be based on these signals. Do Not go in for a kiss when your date has barely spoken to you the entire night. Do kiss her after a successful date in which other forms of physical contact have been received pleasantly by her. If you are unsure of the signs, tread lightly. Taking things slowly will be better in the long run than moving too quickly.

2. Do Not lack proper hygiene! If this rule doesn’t apply to you (and hopefully it doesn’t) ignore it and move on to #1. Make sure you have showered, brushed your teeth, and have on clean clothes for your date. Whatever your hairstyle is, make sure it is neat and groomed. This goes for your facial hair as well. Oh yeah, please don’t go on a date without putting on deodorant. A nervous man will sweat profusely on a first date and a good deodorant can be your saving grace.

1. Do Not be late! The first impression can make a lasting impact! This rule is excellent for business interactions but also can be true for dating. Being early or on time is showing respect to your date. It shows that you value and respect her time. If for any reason you will be late, call her and let her know what time you will be arriving. She will probably nervous, and you don’t want her to think she is being stood up.