Preparing for Date #1: Guidelines for Men

Recap: You called/emailed her and you have a date planned sometime soon at a restaurant. Its the same day as the date, you need to be ready. Here's what you need to know:

1. Be sure you car/truck looks clean and neat, both inside and outside. A dirty, messy vehicle is a major turn-off for her.

2. Dress nicely:

If the restaurant is high-end (such as Scupper Jack's):
A. No jeans. Wear nice-looking cargo pants. Be sure to iron them
B. Wear a short sleeve (summer) or long-sleeve (winter) button-down shirt. Once again, iron it
C. Cologne is okay, but don't overdue it. Using too much will make you appear overbearing and 'too strong'
D. Wear decent shoes. Do not wear athletic shoes or hiking boots.
E. If you wear boxers, make sure they do not rise above the waistline.

If the restaurant is semi-casual (99, Chilies, Outback, Applebees, or somewhere similar)
A. Jeans are okay, but not if they're ripped
B. Wear a nice shirt, weather-permitting. No t-shirts (the type you'd wear to the gym)
C. Do not use cologne
D. Wear semi-decent shoes. Do not wear athletic shoes, hiking boots, sandals, or slippers (I've seen people wear the last two, and it breaks my heart)
E. If you wear boxers, make sure they do not rise above the waistline.

If the restaurant is in the North End
A. Save this for a special occasion, and wait until you have been dating at least three months
B. Dress pants are a must
C. Wear a plain (okay, one small graphic (I have one with a duck) on the pocket) long sleeve shirt
D. Use cologne. Once again, go lightly
E. You don't need a tie
F. Be sure to call ahead if needed
E. If you wear boxers, make sure they do not rise above the waistline.

3. Restaurants to avoid (and why):

A. Friendly's: Save this for your younger sister or brother
B. Woodman's: Consider this a fast food place, with the smell of dead seafood added
C. Applebee's Carside to go, Outback Curbside Takeaway Online Ordering, or anything similar: Consider this fast food or takeout. Don't do it.

4. Women do not like to wait. Be on time, or early if possible (but no earlier than 10 minutes)

5. Shower and brush your teeth. There's nothing worse than bad breath

6. Do not use axe body spray

7. Hide the tattoos

8. No earrings (or any other visible piercings)

9. Leave the cigarettes and matches/lighter at home.

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Preparing for Date #1: Guidelines for Women