Dating isn’t as straight forward as it used to be. Back in the day, dating etiquette was well-established and everybody played by the same rules. Men would open doors for women, help them with their coats, and have them home by nine. Couples would go to the soda shop for the first date, to the drive in for the second, up to “old make out point” for the third, and would most likely be getting married on the fourth.
The rules of the road have changed but it’s not so hard, really. As far as dating goes, the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the simple fact that guys should be gentlemen. What follows are a few suggested guidelines to help you be a true gentleman.
Look your best
A lot of times when guys try to dress up for a date, they end up wearing something they are not truly comfortable in. You should dress up a little, sure, but, try to wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks. If you don’t have any clothes that make you feel like George Clooney in Ocean’s 11, go out and find some.
Give her a warm hand hold at the beginning of the date
Breaking down the physical barrier at the beginning of the date makes the rest of the date so much easier. At the beginning of the date, give her a warm hand hold and tell her how delightful she looks. Also, by showing your affection to her early on, you free her to reciprocate gestures of affection throughout the date, making it easier for you to judge how well the date is going.
Be a class act
Chivalry may be dead, but she’ll like you more if you try to revive it just a little. Open the door for her, pull out her chair, support her on wet sidewalks, etc… Despite the obvious self sufficiency of the modern woman, courtesy is still courtesy. A dash of chivalry shows your attraction and ability to protect and nurture. But, it’s important not to take this too far. You don’t want to seem old fashion, or as though you’re trying real hard to impress. Just be a good, considerate guy who knows the pleasure of treating a lady as such.
