Busy Signals

In the past few years, I've noticed a growing bad habit among my generation (myself included) of allowing our smart phones to be a crux for passing the time. We hardly know how to sit still and just BE anymore. What's worse, is this bad little habit is beginning to seep its way into our time spent with actual people. I've been to many a dinner, party, date, and friendly gathering where the company I'm keeping is interacting less with the actual live people in front of them, and more with those through their phones.

Imagine my excitement when I found this! It's more than a friendly gesture printed on a handkerchief (which in itself would have been very darling). This "phonekerchief" actually blocks the cell phone signal from your phone while it's wrapped up, allowing you to give your counter part your complete and undivided attention.

The manufacturer recommends this for a sweet Valentine's Day gift. I couldn't agree more! What is more romantic than having a genuinely good and uninterrupted conversation with the one you love?

Love Is In the Air

Dating is a terribly broad term these days. Unlike the expedited courtship of the past, "dating" can refer to anything from a first date to a long term relationship. To respect the uniqueness that exists within a couple (after all, who am I to judge whether or not sweats are appropriate for the weekly Friday night date night?) I want to focus mainly on the etiquette that should exist during the first few dates. This is the time where a first impression, polished appearance, and good manners are truly the most important.

General rules for both parties:

• Be punctual. It's disrespectful to keep anyone waiting, especially when you are first getting to know a them. Acknowledge the importance of the date by being ready on time.
• Put your phones away. Leave them off the table, heck, leave them at home!
• Have a cocktail or two, but don't get smashed. It may be tempting to calm your nerves with adult beverages, but getting drunk will only lead to a slimmer chance of a second date.
• Watch your mouth. Swearing like a sailor might work for you, but save your crasser forms of expression for a later stage of the relationship. It just isn’t a turn-on. At all.

Men:

• Spend more than five minutes prepping for the date. Shave, deodorize, iron, and suit up (metaphorically speaking)
• Be chivalrous. Open her doors, pull out her chair, pay for the meal. Acting like a gentleman is sexy.
• If it feels appropriate at the end of the night, make your move and go for the kiss. Being timid and unsure of yourself is a major turnoff.
• Don't wait three days to call. If you like the girl, call (don't text) her the next day. Games are for school teams.

Women:

• Don't over do your appearance. It's fine to look sexy, but be careful not to show too much.
• Eat a normal meal. You won't be fooling anyone by ordering a salad and later binging on an entire pizza after the date has ended. Guys like a girl with an appetite. Enjoy the restaurant's culinary fair and consider sharing dessert!
• Don't talk about your cat. It's tempting, I know. After all, Whiskers does the cutest thing when she's in a playful mood. However, I promise he isn't interested. Instead, focus on topics that are mutually interesting to both parties.
• After the date has ended, be a modern female, don't be afraid to call him the next day or suggest another date.