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You’ve got a date in a few days, or even a few hours, and you want to know what you can do to perform that final check down and ensure that you’re bringing your “A” game to the table, or museum, or movie, or whatever the two of you have decided to do. Proper attention to grooming and hygiene goes a long way to making or breaking your image come game time. What we’re talking about is more than a shower and shave, although that’s a good start.There is stuff you can do just prior to your date to improve your odds of making a good impression without making wholesale changes in your appearance. Just like athletes who have their pre-game rituals that they change up from time to time to improve their on-field performance (today, I will wear tall tube socks instead of short ones, three wristbands, one on my elbow, and a headband), you want to do everything you can beforehand to make sure you’re making your best impression. These little attentions-to-detail send subtle, non-verbal cues to her that you have your game together. Remember, she’s already interested in the online you; now it’s time for the “real” you to measure up.
Plus, because you never know how a day will end or where you’ll find yourself, you want to be prepared. Don't leave these things up to chance -- that's what being a better guy is about.
The Be BetterGuy’s Guide to Good Pre-Date Grooming
- Get a hair cut. If you have to think about how long it’s been since your last cut, it’s been too long. Hey, even Steve Nash got wise, lost that co-ed hairstyle of his and picked up a more stylish look. A quick trim or cut is a good move before you two meet in person. If you don't have a barber/stylist, ask a friend who has a style you like where he gets his hair cut. No, he won’t think you’re trying to pick him up.
- Check and trim all excess body hair. Think of this as doing to yourself what the grounds crews do right before the teams take the field. That is, make sure your “field” is in top condition. Most women we know don’t like hairless guys and we’re not suggesting full body hair removal. But if you’ve basically got a “hair shirt,” trim the hairs around your shirt neckline so you don’t have any errant follicles poking out and trying to make nice with your date. This includes nose and ear hair--especially nose and ear hair. Use either a nose hair trimmer or small, sharp scissors. Plucking will make you cry, seriously.
- It’s eyebrows, not eyebrow. If your eyebrows are merging into one and you’re bearing a striking resemblance to the Geico caveman, you have a couple of options: you can use your razor to remove the hair (the quickest way); you can remove stray hairs with tweezers, which hurts almost as much as getting a basketball to the face; or if you have a full-blown uni-brow, you’ll want to consider waxing. That’s a job for the professionals.
- Clip and clean your fingernails. You should do this one a week anyway, but clip your nails before the date and use the file on the nail clippers to remove dirt from under the nails (not a paper clip or your business card). Give ‘em a light filing to remove sharp edges. One more thing, stop chewing on your nails. It makes your fingers look like ground beef. If you’re hungry, order the meatloaf.
- Use lotion on your hands. It won’t make you a sissy. Take a cue from Bernie Mac in Ocean's Eleven, put some lotion on you hands so you don’t present mitts to her that look like you play offensive guard for the Packers.
- Go easy on the cologne. Apply cologne lightly to pulse points and body parts with hair -- your hair, neck, wrists, crook of the elbow, and chest. Pick your favorite two spots and leave it at that because spritzing all over your body will overwhelm the heck out of her and anyone else nearby. If folks can smell you from more than three feet, you’ve overdone it.
- No potty mouth. Your mouth can break the deal. Give your mouth a quick clean-up (brush, gargle) and apply some lip balm before you head out. Carry lip balm and breath mints for fresh breath and smooth lips in those more intimate moments. Repeat as often as necessary.
Ifyou have the time, it might be worth a one-stop shop at a gentlemen’s grooming salon and get the works done (haircut, shave, manicure, and pedicure) at lunch on on your way home the day of. They can also give you suggestions so you can maintain a good look over the long-term.
To some, this may seem like being overly fussy or prissy. So to you, we say this - if you have any doubt about whether to really follow these tips, consider that women, just like Michael Irvin and Pat Riley, tend to be detail-oriented when it comes to their appearance. They address every tiny aspect of how they look. And when she’s looking into your eyes over dinner, she’s noticing every little nuance about you. We’ve listed the things that make for a nice start and will get you past the eyeball test – you know, the one where you’re sized up before you even open your mouth. Bring your “A” game to the date because she’ll bring hers.
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Your Life 
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