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I’m going on a date soon. the problem is, I’m not very good at dates and stuff. The last time I went on a date, I acted the fool and looked like a idiot. What should I do to prepare for a good date?

All dates are different. No matter how many times you go on a date, they will always be something a little bit new- of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for the best and the worst of everything.

In the words of Alfie from the movie of the same name (Well, the new movie, not the Michael Caine version), “You never know where the day may take you”. I personally like to operate on this concept with dates- always prepare for the day and make sure that no matter what life throws at you, you can throw it right back faster.

First off, clean and prepare yourself. Dress well- dressing for a date is always better than street clothes, never like business clothes. Never dress too perfectly. Keep yourself clean and neat- a little bit of cologne/musk goes a long way, but you should still smell good without it. Your hair should be neat and clean (never greasy, never excessively messed with). Shave.

Second off, keep your apartment fresh and neat. Like a good friend of mine used to say, “a girl will never get into an unmade bed”. Keep your apartment clean and classy- wood should be dusted, glass should be clear and shining, and your kitchen should be sterilized and immaculate. The small details are what matter (and what jump out first)- keep the pubes off the bathroom floor (ew), keep the hair out of the sink. Your coat closet should always have one extra hanger you don’t use, and every single closet in your pad should be neatly organied. If you’re into that sort of thing, keep a few condoms on you, but not an industrial strength box. You’ll never go wrong preparing for someone to spend the night.

That being said, clean your car. If she gets in it, she will notice dirt.

Third off, prepare the date. Know ahead of time everything that can happen- think of the scene in the Japanese drama Densha Otoko where “Densha” goes to the restaurants a week in advance and tests out the food. Don’t go overboard like that, but get an idea of the cuisine of a restaurant, the movie, or any relevant information. If you have a GPS, use it, or get good directions and practice if you have to. Know what dishes are recommended by local magazines. Sometimes, it’s advantageous to have a backup for after the main event- even if it’s taking a stroll outside.

However, don’t go overboard. Seriously, avoid overpreparing. Don’t primp to “perfection” (this is actually worse than underpreparing). Don’t become excessively dominant or submissive- meaning, don’t demand she does what you want (be flexible), but don’t constantly ask her what she wants to do.

In any case, the biggest rule is to be yourself. Don’t fake it. Be the best you that you can be, but nonetheless, keep to your own standards. Dates are two way streets, so the whole goal isn’t to seduce other women- the goal is to try to find someone you like, and who likes you back.

In any case, good luck!