How to Not Look Like an Idiot on Your First Date - A Gentleman's Guide to Being a Gentleman

Your friend's-friend's-aunt's-niece's-sister, has set you up with someone that she swears on her grandmother's ashes is a "smoking hottie." You're scared to death because you haven't been on a date since Reagan was in office, and need a little advice. Well, no fear because the love doctor is here. Just follow these simple steps and you will be on your way to the night of both of your lives.

Tip #1: Good Hygiene is not optional.
Nothing is worse than going on a date with someone that smells like a pig farm. Maybe this is where women got the idea that all men are pigs? Let's prove them wrong. First off is the all important shower...with soap. Here are some products that I recommend

Soap: Old Spice 8 hour protection (favorite scent "Showtime")
Shampoo/Conditioner: American Crew is always a winner or anything with tea tree in the name or explanation (feels great 'cause it tingles). Do not buy anything by Suave or Herbal Essence they just dry out your hair and leave you smelling like a girl.
Face Wash: Sun and weather can really beat up a mans face so I strongly suggest using at least a face wash. I use Neutrogena's Men's line. You can invest in something more expensive but you can get the Neutrogena line at Wal-Mart for under $5.

Make sure and wash all the important places especially the big 3 consisting of your armpits, your butt, and your manly zone. Use both shampoo and conditioner.

Tip #2: A Good Shave
Its ok to have facial hair, just make sure it's trimmed nicely. Unless your date is Amish they are probably not going to go for the neck beard look. Regardless of what you may have heard, shower first, then shave. Hot water opens your pours and softens your skin. Also the use of soap on your face will wash the sebum (the protective slime that your body oozes to protect your facial hair) from your hair allowing a smoother shave. Use a good razor (no $1 store throwaways). Mach 3 seems to be a well rated brand and has worked for me for years. Use both a scentless shaving gel and aftershave lotion (preferably one with sunscreen in it). Why scentless? If you use too many scents from your soap, aftershave, and cologne, they will start to mix and overpower your dates nose.

Tip #3: A Good Cologne (no cheap crap)

The goal here is to use just enough that when she is close to you, and your body heat rises, the temperature of your body will evaporate some of the cologne and cause her to be able to smell just enough to make her want to snuggle in closer. The technique here is very important. After you get out of the shower and before you put a shirt on spray one or two squirts of the cologne in the air and then walk through it. DO NOT spray the cologne directly on your body or clothes. Honestly the best and cheapest "cologne" I've found is just using a lot of laundry detergent when doing your clothes, and wear your clothes just out of the dryer (GAIN is a great one for smell). A clean smell goes a long ways in attracting a woman. At least in my experience, and with the women who I have talked to.

The type of cologne you buy is also important. Here are my top recommendations.

Very Sexy For Men: Victoria Secret
Aqua De Gio: Armani
Sunset Voyage: Nautica
Fuel For Life: Diesel

Say no to Classic Old Spice and Brute, unless the woman you are dating is attracted to men who smell like a grandpa. These scents are outdated and unattractive.

Tip #4: How to Dress

Unless you plan on a game of football, shorts and t-shirt are probably not your best choice for clothing. A shirt with a collar is usually a good standard to live by and a pair of nice jeans (darker wash for evening dates lighter for dates during the day) or Khakis. No black socks with white shoes or white socks with black shoes. Take a look at a Target Ad or a Gap Ad to get inspiration from. Doesn't mean you have to shop there for you anti-Gap guys, but they are usually on top of the trends.

Tip #5: Manners, Chivalry is not Dead

First off always open the door for your date. Whether it's the car door or the door to the restaurant, you should walk a little faster to get there and open it for her. When you see her, compliment how she looks. Phrases like, "that dress really makes your eyes sparkle" or a just plain, "wow" will go a long ways in starting you out on the right foot. Do not say anything that involves the words: fat, weight, acne, zit, or ugly whatsoever the entire date, even if you are complimenting them on the lack of such things. The man should always pay for the meal. Don't be a cheap wad and leave her with the bill. If at some point later in the relationship she wants to pay for you - let her - but as for the "norm" you should be forking out the cash.

Tip #6: Small Talk, It's not about the weather.

I personally hate the words "small talk" since it brings to mind visions of awkwardness and one sided conversation. Instead, actively try to get to know the person you are out on the date with. What does she like to do? What does she do for a living? Once you get this going she will start asking you questions as well. There will always be those awkward moments of silence, so don't freak out if they happen. If you truly are interested in getting to know her, I promise those awkward moments will be few and far between.

Tip #7: The Goodnight Kiss.

Remember this is not a chick flick. You're on a real date, so don't be expecting your lips to be sparkin' on the first go around. If she leans in, and you're willing, then by all means go for it, but never, ever, force a kiss. You barely know each other, give it time.

Tip #8: I'll Call You.

Be honest in this. If you tell them you are going to call them, do it. If you really thought the date was horrible and you never want to see them again, just say goodnight and leave it at that. Never make a promise you don't intend to keep.

So there you go. Quick and easy tips to help you through that first date and hopefully on to many more.