Why do so many people complain about dating and relationships? Here’s one problem for the average Joe: they make the stakes so high, it can be nerve-racking as all get-out. Where will we go? What time of day? Should I play it straight or give her the James Bond treatment? Will we have good chemistry? We will we have any chemistry? I got a D in chemistry. And once you're in the relationship, how do you know if you’ve made a good choice? Could it be too much commitment for what could be the wrong decision? The divorce rate’s 50%, so why waste time with a potential clunker? It's enough to make any guy just sit dating out entirely and cuddle up to Season 3 of the Sopranos with the fellas and a suitcase of Bud tallboys.

But, just like a pitcher doesn't take the mound worried about how the season will go (he's focused soley on getting outs and who he'll schmooze after the game), you shouldn't worry about how the long-term relationship if you're in the early stages of dating or a relationship. Be Better Guys sees that there are lots of stressed-out people out there and offers these suggestions to ease the strain:

• You can’t meet the woman of your dreams if you don’t ask her out. Standing at the bar with your Michelob in your hand, buried deep in your posse of boys won't get it done. We’ve heard too many times how great, attractive women we've known have spent more nights at home simply because no one asked.  You might be pleasantly surprised if you just approach.
• To get to know a person, you have to interact with her, preferably without a group of friends — “references” only go so far. This is why, regardless of the résumé, no one gets a job without an interview.
• Dating should be fun. An approach is, “since I’m paying (yes, you are paying until told otherwise), I plan to have a great time.” If you’re not interested in having a good time, stay home, save your money and her time.
• Focus on the date at hand. Your future children and life together can wait until after dessert
  

Another thing that holds some men back can ultimately summed up as a lack of confidence. How you dress, your hair, how you handle yourself in public are non-verbal cues for confidence. Muhammed Ali was confident before he was Ali, you could see it in the way he moved, in how he carried himself. You knew he was a baaadd maann!  Speaking of Will Smith, did you see the movie Hitch?  See, all that Smith’s character was teaching Kevin James (the dancing lessons, the improved clothes, advice on how and what to say and when to say it), was confidence. Being comfortable in public and more importantly with himself, giving him tools to be that dude. That frees you up to be you. Confidence can go a long way to making up for all sorts of shortcomings (so can gobs of money, but we can't help you with that). Being prepared makes you confident and enables you to get where you want in life, not just dating. We sum up this idea of brining confidence to your dating like this:

• Whether you’re re-entering the market after having been married or you’ve been on the market for some time, see every date as a chance to have fun and make some magic.

• See every date as an occasion, no matter how many you’ve been on or even if you're married.

• Dress for the occasion. Now is not the time to show up for dinner wearing jeans and Chuck Taylor All Stars, no matter how much you paid for them. Then again, don’t go to a Thievery Corporation concert in a double-breasted suit and suede shoes. 

• Don’t sleep on your grooming and upkeep. If it’s been awhile, get a hair cut.

• Pick a location or activity where you know you'll have a good time – It’s your date, so you’re driving, dude. If you're comfortable, she will be, too.