When was the last time you wanted to bring up something awkward with a partner but chickened out? Here are the 5 things I wish I could openly discuss with men when dating. (If you’d rather listen, check out Be Dating Beautiful’s podcast version of this blog!)
Contents
1) Manscaping: A Grooming Conversation We Need to Have
Why is it some guys go to town with a complete BSC (back, sack and crack hair removal) and some pretend that manscaping doesn’t exist? In the attempt to back up my point here, I found figures from Statista, that show:
- 50% of 25-49 year old’s trim their private region
- 6% remove absolutely everything
Whilst researching, I came across Manscaped, a brand dedicated to male grooming and I couldn’t resist sharing details of their performance package:
- The Lawn Mower (Electric trimmer)
- Weed Whacker (Ear & nose hair trimmer)
- Crop Preserver (Anti-chafing ball deodorant)
- Crop Reviver (Ball spray toner)
Their cheeky tagline, “We save balls,” had me giggling, but it also got me thinking, do men really use sprays down there? Maybe that’s a question for my next date!
After talking to my friends about the hairy men (aka chimps) we’ve dated, the consensus is clear, men should be trimming. But before you go full smooth, ask your partner what they prefer. You might just surprise them on your next date night!
2) Your Hair Isn’t Helping
When dating men in their 40s, of course it’s to be expected that hairlines may be receding, or thinning. It’s common that guys opt for a buzz cut, or a complete razor shave to exude their masculinity and totally rock their look..… I mean look at Dwayne Johnson and Tom Hardy 🥰
I dated a gentleman that had short hair and his bald patch was hardly noticeable. However, after 2 months, his hair was hanging over his ears and his comb over reminded me of my grandad which was anything but sexy!
I completely appreciate that as a lady, I can simply dye my hair every 6 weeks to stop the annoyance of greys shouting hello from the rooftops, but guys, short hair is much more attractive than a comb over any day! If you’re dating, please do yourself a favour and visit the barber’s!
3) Iron Your Shirt, Please
I love making an effort for a date, and I don’t think it’s too much to ask for guys to spend a few minutes ironing their clothes. If you can’t be bothered to press your shirt, it sends the message that you’re not really trying. Don’t be that guy. Show you care by looking sharp.
4) Ditch the Old Boxers
During lockdown, women’s sexy lingerie sales surged by 244%, according to WWD. So, if we’re making the effort, isn’t it fair to expect men to stop wearing worn-out, saggy boxers?
Undressing should be a sensual, sexy moment, but it’s hard to get in the mood when your partner is wearing ancient underwear and socks with holes. Gentlemen, sort it out!
5) Dress to Impress, Not Distress
I’m no guru but I’ve lost count of the number of occasions I’ve been out on dates where guys are committing serious fashion faux pas. Here’s what not to wear;
- Ill fitting jeans (no one wants to see your butt crack, your hem’s drag along the floor, or your crown jewels)
- Polo necks that are too tight (are you trying to give yourself a double chin?)
- Hats at dinner (where are your manners?)
- Dirty footwear (just no!)
- Socks with sliders (you’re on a freaking date!)
On the rare occasions that I’ve been able to oversee the style drama, I’ve spent half the evening considering how soon I can suggest a shopping trip, rather than listening to the endearing conversation (which has got me into trouble for not listening).
However brutally honest I may be sometimes, I haven’t found a way to discuss these turn off’s whilst dating. Why? I guess I hate the idea of hurting someone’s feelings.
But flipping the coin, if a date told me they didn’t want to see me again because they didn’t like my style, hair colour, or whatever, I’d appreciate the constructive feedback. It’s better than hearing, “I just don’t think we’re a good fit.”
So, in summary, I believe I simply need to MAN UP!?
Thanks for reading!
Eleni x
P.S. Don’t miss our podcast episode on this topic. Check out our other posts, including The Ultimate Speed Dating Questions, Why Speed Dating is the Perfect Alternative to Online Dating, and Online Dating Stats: The Surprising Truth About Finding Love Online.
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