So let’s see what we can get into: Dating. We all do it—some of us hate it, some of us love it. This 21-year-old junior who’s taking way too many classes and working even harder to have a life is gonna try to help you navigate the sometimes tangled dance of romance known as the Date.
You all are probably wondering who the hell I am and how I know what I’m talking about. Put it this way, I’ve been on quite a few dates in my time and when I say I know what York Road sized potholes to avoid, I damn sure mean it. I have a pretty good idea on the type of guys should ALWAYS in ALL cases be AVOIDED (calms self, wipes sweat misted brow phew). So with that said, let’s get on with the show:
So How Do I Look?
Okay ladies, so you’ve landed a date with a kinda cute, kinda hot, kinda sexy, hysterically funny (but not funny-looking) guy who you could get with . . . so what do you wear? Depending on where you decide to meet (because ladies plan better dates anyway) you should dress accordingly.
So say you guys plan to meet at a nice coffee shop . . . can we please avoid the Uggs and the Northface? Something casual is always perfect like jeans and a t-shirt, maybe even a tailored blazer to dress it up. What you want is something that says “I’m smart, classy, and a fun time, but I’m not a skankbucket.” The rule is this: if you don’t plan on “unintentionally” giving the wrong impression then avoid doing so like the plague. The last thing you need is you having to end the date by opening a can of whoop-a** on some touchy feely idiot. Anywho, the same rule applies no matter where you go. Whether it is a bar, club, restaurant, etc.; showing too much removes the mystery of it all.
Talk That Talk To Me
They always say avoid religion and politics at the dinner table, and I couldn’t agree more. One thing that can quickly steer a date into the depths of hell is a disagreement on which candidate you support for the 2012 election. The key to conversation is to keep it light. Stay with neutral subjects such as work, school, or even sports if you know what you’re talking about.
With that said, you should always work with what you know. Stick to topics which both of you can follow. I know there are some exceptions but let’s face it: most straight identified men don’t really keep up with “Gossip Girl”, “Secret Life”, or even “Grey’s Anatomy”. So like I said, try and stay with topics that are applicable to the both of you and that can be built upon to keep the conversation alive.
Dashing Prince of Horny Toad
Another point to always remember is that just because he talks a good game doesn’t mean he’s a good guy. Inflated egos can often be the number one symptom for the onset of Stage 5 Douchebagery (the incurable kind). I know sometimes the jerk can be hot (just take a look at my track record,) but in the long run you’ll end up with more gray hair then you will diamonds. I suggest figuring out as much as you can from the subtle hints you notice in conversation, body language, and over all demeanor, because those tell more than anything else. And a major deal breaker is if he pulls out his phone more than once. I don’t care if you have stock in Apple, being on the phone during a date is a major no-no.
Also, I know it is the first date and all, but gauging the guy’s intentions from subtle conversation hints should give you some insight as to what he’s looking for. Being blunt and asking a guy “so what are you looking for” only works when there’s a hook-up involved. And usually when you’re asked that same question on a first date, you can easily sort away the commit-o-phobic and monogamy-resistant.
Gimme That Goodbye Kiss
So here you are, the date is over and he kindly asks to escort you to your door/lobby of your dorm. Assuming the date went well, I’d recommend a few kind words, and, if the moment is right, then a polite kiss of your choice would be appropriate. I’m not saying perform the upside down kiss from the first Spiderman movie, but something that would leave the both of you wanting more. And when I say more I mean another date and not instant smushing.
Respect is key and if a man treats you as an equal then go for it. If you ever feel anything less than what you know you are, then whatever situation you’re in is not for you. Always be true to yourself, no matter what.