Pre date routine.
As a happily married man of 25 years who had his last date 28 years ago, I would say be yourself.
What you see is what you get.
Mind you that's the beginning of courtship.
It feels good to give an impression, just make sure it's the right impression. That is 'this is me'
I don't go on 'dates'. Hate the whole idea. I form friendships and let those blossom into romance. I avoid the whole 'putting on an act to impress a stranger' thing.
I was vain in my early thirties. I worked out a lot, liked nice clothes, etc. I was also agonizingly slow in getting ready. Took forever in the shower. Then my hair had to be just right, my clothes ironed to perfection, checked out the mirror about 5 times for how I looked.
I met a woman at a super market and we exchanged numbers. I called her and we had a great conversation. We arranged a date. We haggled a little over the time to meet. I wanted to meet about a hour later then she wanted to. I offered, "it takes me like 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 and a half hours to get ready."
There was silence on the phone for about 7 seconds. When she finally spoke she said, "I don't think this is going to work out between us, we should call the date off."
after looking at some of the comments I feel like a outsider.. I dont overdo my routine..opposite lol!!! I put the absolute least time into a dating routine. Completely me only. No makeup, all I do is some protection prayers.. No need for high heels. Especially when ur around and about like me, Im just me, not even attempting to be someone else.
This is my usual roll out of bed don't comb the hair or worry about the torn shirt look I now usually walk around with.
Trust me, God can change anyone.
![]()
Aww, good pep talk! Nerves make us forget simple things
You really go extra miles there, asking preferred car scent of choice! And coordinating your outfits.
I can't get my car spotless unless i get it professionally detailed these days (which I don't because I'm being cheap) my dog and i track sand EVERYWHERE, (um, I don't have a driveway yet and we go to the park a lot) and I park under trees so I get all kinds of sap and seeds and stuff stuck to the outside. I used a hand vacuum to get what I can but it's a hopeless situation for now. But I do put a "new car" scented freshener in my car, so that counts for something, right?
I like to binge watch the office to distract myself![]()
I also try to strike a good scent balance with perfume/lotion, seems many of us have that in common (i see all you polo sport fans)
I have an ex who wore lacoste and it fiercely reminds me of him every time I smell it. And lavender makes me queasy now after an experience I had when I was sick. Scent is so powerful.
This is pre-date prep, Josephdreams, not your everyday routine!![]()
Although with some of the responses I could start a whole other thread....does dating just stop altogether when you're married or in a relationship? (Am I being naive to think otherwise?) I think it's fun to dress up sometimes to go out, or put on makeup, etc. why does it have to be associated with vanity and being inauthentic?