Dating can be a difficult thing to navigate. For young men, it can be even more challenging, as they are trying to figure out how to behave around the opposite sex for the first time. This is why it is essential that we take the time to educate our sons on proper dating etiquette. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important things that dads should teach their sons when it comes to dating. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that can occur during courtship.
What Is Dating Etiquette
Dating etiquette is simply the code of conduct that should be followed when interacting with a potential romantic partner. It includes things like being respectful, being a good listener, and being a gentleman. While some of these things may seem old-fashioned, they are still important in today’s dating world.
One of the most important things to remember is to be yourself. You want to find someone who loves you for who you are, not for who you pretend to be. So, don’t try to impress your date by acting like someone you’re not. Just relax and be yourself.
Another important aspect of dating etiquette is being a good listener. This means giving your date your full attention and not interrupting them when they’re speaking. It also means being interested in what they have to say and asking follow-up questions.
One final piece of dating etiquette that is important for young men to remember is to be a gentleman. This includes things like opening doors for your date, pulling out their chair, and paying for the date. While some women may not expect this type of treatment, it is always a nice gesture and will show your date that you are a considerate person.
Tips For Avoiding Common Dating Pitfalls
Now that we’ve discussed some of the most important aspects of dating etiquette, let’s talk about how to avoid some common pitfalls. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they start dating is moving too fast. They may become sexually involved with their partner before they are ready or they may commit to a relationship before they really know the person. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to take a step back and reassess your feelings. Are you sure that you want to be in a sexual relationship with this person? Do you really know them well enough to be in a committed relationship? These are important questions to ask yourself before taking things further.
For young men, one of the major challenges they face is an assumption that the woman is always right on issues related to aggression and intimate relationships.
It is NEVER ok for one partner to pressure the other to do something they don't want to participate in and likewise, continual consent is essential. This can be difficult to navigate for young men on their first dates so it is up to you as a dad to make sure he's aware of how to handle these situations and protect himself from any unfair accusations.
Prepare Your Son With Items He May Need On The Date
While advice is the first step in preparing your son for his date, most dads don't want to think about their kids doing adult things. However, you might consider adding condoms to a "date kit" that includes other items such as breath strips, hand sanitizer, spray cologne etc. that he can keep in his bag or car's glove box.
Help Him Pick A Proper Location And Activity For The Date
There are endless possibilities when it comes to locations and activities for dates but not all of them are appropriate for young men. You want to make sure that he chooses a place that is safe, respectful, and considerate of his date's comfort level. A good rule of thumb is to choose a public place for the first date such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or park. As your son gets to know his date better, he can then start planning more private outings.
Make Sure His Ride Is In Order
A rule of thumb is that no woman likes a messy environment and this definitely extends to your car. Cleaning up the loose trash is a good idea, but it's simply not enough. Take your car to the shop for a professional deep clean before the date and she will definitely take notice. Get a tune-up and make sure the lights are all functioning properly before taking off. This ensures there are no unwanted hiccups on the road to interrupt your date like getting pulled over for a dead tail light. Adjust the seat and make sure there is enough legroom for her and put on some subtle romantic tunes. It's not a bad idea to get your car washed as well.
Bring Her A Special Gift
You should definitely bring along a token of appreciation and acknowledgment to kick off things right. It serves as a conversation starter and puts her in a good mood right away. This can be some beautiful flowers, chocolates, or a piece of jewelry to compliment her outfit. A bracelet is a good option because that way she is constantly reminded during the date of your thoughtfulness and attitude regarding the evening. It shows you take her seriously and want to impress her!
Arrive On Time And Don't Pressure To Stay Out Late
It's imperative you arrive to pick her up on time as if you were going to work and don't want to be late. She is just as important as any other obligation and if you make a time commitment it's important you follow through. When you arrive, make sure to get out and go to the door with your gift instead of waiting for her in the car. Present the gift and you'll surely get a smile. If she needs more time, then patiently wait for her. When on the date, always pay close attention to the time out of respect for her as well as her parents so she gets home safely at a reasonable hour.
Execute Manners To The Highest Degree!
You can get her the best gift in the world and have the nicest whip of all time to cruise in, but without proper manners you are nothing. Women are impressed by how a man carries himself more than any gift. Be on your best behavior and avoid any unfavorable topics. Keep a noose on your tongue regarding vulgar language and always make eye contact to stay engaging. When eating, make sure to use your napkin and never chew or talk with your mouth open. A great way to prevent this is to simply take smaller bites. Always be considerate and hold doors for her along with taking out the seat for her unless she shows distaste for it.
Smile And Use Your Personal Charm
On a date, it's easy to emulate the movies and lose track of yourself. Men will behave strangely sometimes in presence of a gorgeous woman so it's important to be charming in your unique way. The butterflies are definitely going to be there, but remember that she's probably nervous too. Just be yourself because she will find out eventually who you really are if you continue dating. Always have a warm smile and stay engaged with her throughout the entire date. Avoid things like winking or excessive flirting on the first date because this is the time to get to know each other on a genuine level. Channel your inner sweetness and be cordial.
Let Her Lead The Conversation To A Comfortable Place
On a date, it can be easy to go off on a tangent and say whatever pops into your head. Avoid run-on sentences and talking too much about yourself or your own interests. Instead, treat this as an exercise in getting to know her and pay attention to what she wants to talk about. This will ensure a more comfortable conversation where she feels more valued. The last thing you want to do is use up the time to boast about your own accomplishments or ambitions. As men, it's in our nature to try and over impress, but this can backfire very quickly. Always remain interested in her and pay attention to her emotional cues regarding any particular topic for future reference.
Walk Her To The Door, End With A Classy Hug
So you've made it to the end of the date and now there's that gut-wrenching feeling of the anticipation of a kiss. Here you need to gauge how she feels, but it's generally a good idea to not kiss on the first date. It's highly suggested you take the safe route and be a gentleman. Walk her to the door and be as smooth as possible because you know it will be going through both of your minds. Give her a friendly hug but a slick way to go about it is to start your trajectory towards her lips and then deviate to an embrace. Don't hug for too long, just a couple of seconds is fine. You can also opt to give her a romantic kiss on the hand, and this is a safe bet if you held hands at any point that night.
Not All Dates Lead To A Second!
This is possibly the hardest part to understand about dating. Sadly, not everyone is right for the other person. Just because you go on a date with someone doesn't mean that person is obligated to like you or vice versa. Keep this in mind going into any situation and don't let your emotions get the best of you if things don't work out. It's okay, just try again another time! The dating world is filled with many people so it's important not to dwell on any one person for too long.
Dads, the ball is now in your court. You have the ability to shape how your sons will treat women for the rest of their lives. By raising gentlemen, we can help create a generation of men who are respectful and kind-hearted towards others, setting the standard for future relationships everywhere.
