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Recently I wrote an article, which I hope helped you, in your search for something to do on that awkward first date. Then it dawned on me that maybe I should have followed up that information with a list of things NOT to do on a first date. So guys here it is:

The Men’s Guide of Things Never to do on a First Date.

1. Don’t be late. Of course we would understand if something happened out of your control which caused you to be late. If that’s the case just give us a quick call or text so that we know we are not being stood up and that you are ok. If you are a bit late, don’t inundate us with excuse after excuse. Apologize and move on!

2. Don’t dress the wrong way. I know women can be a bit catty when it comes to how her date is dressed. Guys, just dress for the activity of the date…don’t overdress don’t underdress. Make sure you are on the same page with your date on what you are doing so she knows what to wear. It can be a bit uncomfortable if we are dressed up and you show up in jeans and a t-shirt. On a side note guys, I recently read an interesting article in the Journal of Experimental Psychology that I thought might help you. The article stated that a recent study found that the color red makes men appear more powerful, attractive and sexually desirable to women. Hmmmm….maybe a red tie or a red shirt, just a thought.

3. Don’t forget to get to know her. In other words, don’t talk about yourself all night long! Honestly guys, this is the biggest turn-off and will destroy your chances of a second date. Lure her into a conversation about her hobbies, likes and dislikes, but stay away from sensitive questions involving religion or politics. Within a few moments I’m sure you will find some similarities you have and just go from there.

4. Don’t talk about old relationships. We all have exes and they are exes for a reason. Keep any reference or comment of an old flame out of the conversation. We are there to get to know you not your old girlfriend. Bringing her up in conversation will only indicate to us that you still have feelings for her. However, if your date questions you about a previous relationship, keep you comments genuine and short. This will let us know that you are over her and are ready to move on.

5. Don’t be rude. There is nothing worse than being on a date with a guy who can’t put his phone down. Do not take phone calls, return texts or answer emails while on a date! Guys, your date deserves your attention…be a respectable listener and you will gain her respect quickly.

6. Don’t forget your manners. Common courtesy, opening the door, helping with her coat, will signify that you are a gentleman. Such small actions will impress her in a big way…especially because her last date probably didn’t do it! A little compliment once in a while, telling her how nice she looks etc., is essential. Sadly, the days of chivalry have gone to the wayside. Let’s bring it back, guys.

Obviously, I can’t guarantee that abiding by this list will automatically win you that greatly desired second date. However, I can tell you that if you keep the date fun and light hearted your chances are magnified. Good Luck and Happy Dating!

Related articles

• Blind Date (pinkbananaworld.com)
• Advice on first dates (thedatingpapers.com)
• A New Type of Chivalry, That I’m Not Falling For. (abbeyswihart.wordpress.com)
• Dating advice: The Dating Game (independent.co.uk)
• Dating Disasters &Ndash; Things to Avoid on a First Date (socyberty.com)

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Ok guys, while traveling recently I grabbed a Cosmopolitan magazine for the long 3 hour flight I had ahead of me.  A little side note quickly caught my attention.  It stated that a recent study, in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, found that guys are actually more attracted to killer arms than sexy legs.  This absolutely stunned me and got me to thinking…what do women notice on men?  Having arrived to the airport three hours ahead of my flight time, I decided to do my own survey. 

I asked 94 women of all “shapes and sizes”, what is the first thing they notice on a man.  Forty-four of the women responded that a man’s smile is definitely the first thing they notice.  So guys, keep those pearly whites clean.  Keep in mind that along with a great smile comes fresh breath. Please don’t let us learn the hard way that you just ate onions, garlic or smoked a cigarette. 

Twenty-one ladies stated that they notice the way a man carries himself or how confident he is.  But don’t confuse confidence with arrogance, the later of which is a complete turn-off!  The ironic thing about an arrogant person is the fact that they are suffering from a lack of confidence.  Always make eye contact with a genuine smile and walk tall. 

The third thing noticed by fifteen of the ladies, was a man’s hand.  Don’t get all excited guys, this has nothing to do with the length of your thumbs!  Besides, there is no scientific evidence to prove that “theory” anyway.  Women want men who have strong hands with clean fingernails.  If we see that your nails have enough dirt underneath them to plant a small garden, then we are moving on.  We know some of you work tough jobs and are plagued with callused hands. Do your best to soften them and keep your nails filed.  There is nothing worse then being rubbed by a man with jagged fingernails and callused hands! 

Ten of the women I polled stated that smell was the top thing they noticed about a man.  Showers are an absolute necessity followed by cologne.  But guys, don’t shower yourselves in the cologne!  Nobody enjoys a cologne induced migraine. 

I was quite shocked that only four women mentioned eyes as the first thing they notice on a man.  We are not talking color or shape but rather what the eyes have to say…the eyes are the window to the soul.  If you are truly attracted to a woman than make sure you are looking into her eyes when speaking to her.  This will signal to her that you are interested. 

Before I go I must add my two cents to this list.  Of course the first thing a woman will notice on a man will be a physical characteristic, be it your eyes, hair or smile. The next thing we notice will be your character…who you are. There are plenty of good looking men in the world but who have ugly character. We are attracted to friendly, honest men who will show us respect.  Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not and above all Keep Smiling!!

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• Men and Women are Animals! (socyberty.com)
• Vivian Diller, Ph.D.: Is Beauty In The Eye Of The Beholder Or The Beholdee? (huffingtonpost.com)
• On a lighter note: Nice Guys, again (aleksandreia.wordpress.com)

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Hi Gentlemen! First let me begin by saying that I am extremely excited to be a part of the Man Certified family.You guys are fortunate to have a website specifically catering to the needs of the male gender. My objective is to help you guys out with the female gender or as we like to call ourselves “Divas”. Although it seems that our male counterparts deem us “impossible” to get along with, I will give you honest advice so that we can play “nice” with each other and have meaningful relationships.

Having said that, let’s begin with our first topic of discussion…

“Where not to Take a Woman on a First Date”

1) Bar/Nightclub.  Although the local bar/nightclub might sound like a good idea, it’s really a poor choice. Primarily because of whom you might run into. An ex, either yours or hers, can really cause havoc on your date, especially if they are not over the relationship yet. You may also run into a friend who will sit with you and talk the night away. There goes your opportunity to get to know your date. And of course there is the dreaded drunk dude who may hit on your date. It’s your first date, can you honestly tell the drunkard “Leave her alone, she’s my girlfriend!” That puts both of you in an uncomfortable position. First dates are awkward to begin with why add injury to insult.

2) Dinner. So cliché guys! But if you must have a dinner date, just be careful where you take her. Mexican food is not good on anyone’s digestive tract and eating at a place that requires the use of only your hands is taboo! Ladies don’t want to watch you eat like a caveman ripping meat off the bone. Nor do we want greasy fingers on our clothes as you help us with our coat…remember your manners men!

3) Movie/Play. The big problem with a movie/play is the fact that there will be absolutely no interaction for two or three hours. Sitting next to a stranger whom you know nothing about equals awkward and boring.

4) A Family Party. Huge no-no! We all know how much you guys love your moms but this is a date that should be saved for later on in your relationship. No doubt your date will be bombarded with questions including the ever embarrassing, “How long have you been dating?” Keep your date away from the humiliation and boredom of family functions early on in your relationship.

5) Sporting Events. This totally depends on your date. Obviously there are some women who have absolutely no desire to sit through a game of any sort. In this instance, come up with another place to go. However, more and more woman are becoming sports fans and would enjoy taking in a baseball game. But guys please watch your alcohol intake and if your team loses, watch your attitude. Ladies don’t like drunken sore losers.

And lastly, never take her to the beach on the first date. Being with a stranger is odd enough. But then to ask them to be half naked can really make for an uncomfortable situation. Use you creativity guys and above all just be yourselves and have fun!

Related articles

• Dating the second time around (cnn.com)
• How To Survive A Blind Date Dinner (mademan.com)
• Second Date Advice (mademan.com)
• Social Minefield: How To Have A Great First Date [Social Minefield] (jezebel.com)
• Subverting My Attraction to Negative Passive People (ask.metafilter.com)

COMING SOON, exclusively to Man Certified, is an interesting and informative new advice column written just for men, but from a woman’s point of view that truly is man certified.

The new column, called “Help Me, Rhonda!”, is going to be a fresh and lively column that men of all walks of life will want to read regularly, because the things that Rhonda will discuss are applicable to all men, in all stages of their life.

Some of the topics that Rhonda will address in the coming weeks are:

• What features of a man do women look at first?
• What habits of men annoy women the most?
• Is she more successful than you?
• Do’s and Dont’s of Fashion: A First Impression
• Where not to take a woman on a first date.

These topics barely scratch the surface of what Rhonda wants to talk to you about.  Be sure to check out her new column, debuting soon, right here at Man Certified!