The Dating Game

Going down the Facts Lane for a first impressions check-up

As engrossed in the media as we are today, with the myriad of tv programs, radio shows and magazine reviews all telling us how to date, how to flirt and (ahem) how to get it ON..you would think we should all be pros in our day and age. Wrong. Recently single, I myself have had my share of mishaps, misfires and blowups. One mispronounced word can send a date spiraling down to the depths of the Abyss.
First impressions can make or break your first meeting with someone new. First impressions may be your only chance to make an impression before someone gets to know the real you. Meeting someone new is almost like going on an interview. Many of you have been out of the dating scene for awhile. Let's face it, we live in a society that where how you look counts. That doesn't mean you have to be a Barbie Doll or Mr. GQ. All you have to do is make your assets shine and remove any liabilities. It is always important to look your best so you feel confident about the impression you are making and about you. And keep in mind, the way you treat yourself is the impression that someone has of how you will treat them. Here are some wise words from people around town on what to do and what NOT to do on a first date:
"Scrub the dirt from under your nails. Clip your nails short. Men with unclipped and dirty fingernails just look gross. Get a haircut and make it short. Hair past your ears let alone your shoulders looks ridiculous unless you are in a rock band." Ainsley, 22
"The goatee look is now considered passé. If you don't believe me, look around you and look at Hollywood. The fad was over 2 years ago. Keep in mind that many women have sensitive skin and find kissing a man with facial hair a turnoff. (Think about it guys, would you want to kiss a Brillo Pad for a few hours. Did you know that ninety percent of all women prefer a clean-shaven man at any age? Now you do. If you are not getting dates, consider this part of the problem and shave all of it off for a while. If you still insist on keeping the beard, mustache or goatee, make sure it is trimmed well. The Grizzly Adams and Dr. Koop look are really bad...and turn off most women. Unless a man can grow a mustache that looks like Tom Selleck's and has a wide smile, most of the time a mustache makes the man's mouth look small, his facial expression sad, and if it is droopy it just looks ridiculous." Stephanie, 23
"The personal dye job looks bad. Get it done professionally. Nothing spells nerd like a home bottle dye job (except maybe a rug.) Take a good look in the mirror. Do your eyebrows run together? If so have them professionally tweezed or electrolysis to remove the unwanted hair. Countless men go dateless because they have a stern/severe look from eyebrows that knit together making them look unhappy. Fortunately you can fix it!" Carolina, 24
"Fragrance-smell is an important attraction. Make sure you have a shower before your meeting if it has been a hot day, you just worked out and/or you have been traveling. You may be used to your own body odor, but there is no greater turn on for a woman than a man who just showered and shaved with freshly shampooed hair and a light whiff of a good designer cologne/aftershave. Wear a good clean fragrance (nothing cheap!). Take a friend to the department store and start sniffing. No Old Spice PLEASE!" Patricia, 26
"Talking about previous ex-wife or ex-girlfriend." Nicole, 25
"Talking about previous boyfriends, ex husband", Christian, 30
"Unshaved underarms and legs" Jason, 31
"Talking with your mouth full of food. Cell phone at dinner or during a meeting. Turn it off. " Mike, 29
"Not saying Please and THANK YOU." Oliver, 22
Gossip and talking a subject to death.
Sulking and whining about anything: your past relationships, fighting with your mother, your boss, etc.
Talking ultra fast makes you sound nervous and lacking in confidence. Talking verrrrrrrrrrry slow makes you sound stupid.
Saying "you know" at the end of every sentence. This is annoying and makes you sound like you are not very intelligent.
I know that some of you may think that these are all common knowledge, but trust me a quick check never hurt anyone except you... when you slip.

Publication Date: 2005-08-28
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=5508