Preparing For My First Date in Years

Hitting the Dating Scene Again

A few years ago, after meeting the woman who I thought would become the love of my life, I put my dating skills to rest and prayed that I wouldn’t have to use them again. Unfortunately, though, things didn’t work out as I’d hoped, and she and I amicably split.

It’s been a year and a half since then, and I’m couldn’t be readier try my luck again. As the old cliché goes, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

You can learn a lot about yourself if you’ve been single for a long time, and in my case, I came to the conclusion that introspection is as good for your health as a balanced diet is. I’ve also realized that not everyone can find the perfect match which is why I’m not letting this romantic roadblock get me down. Instead, I’m going to keep swimming until I find the right partner for me.

Shopping for the Right Clothes

The first thing I’m going to do is make sure that my style is on point.

The right clothes are incredibly important, and because my wardrobe hasn’t changed in a while, I need to head to the department store and search for what fits me best! For the most part, I’m a fan of casual clothing—t-shirts, slacks, the occasional pair of athletic pants—so I’m thinking of trying on a few button-ups and shorts for a subtle, modern, and stylish look. I can also use a new suit in case I go on a more intimate date at an upscale restaurant.

Your style should encapsulate your personality, and mine is calm, cool, and collected.

Choosing the Ideal Tie

To complement my suit, I’ll need the perfect tie.

For classy, romantic get-togethers, I don’t need anything too extravagant; a solid color, like maroon, will work just fine.

You don’t need to wear a tie on a lower-key date, but if that’s what you prefer, I’d recommend wearing an artsier one that exemplifies your key features. Trying a Paisley-style ties, for example, can be a great way to let loose.

Settling on a Pair of Great Shoes

Shoes make or break an outfit; after all, they’re often the first thing people look at. One of the primary reasons for this is continuity; If your pants don’t flow properly into your shoes, you might look shorter than you are, if not downright disheveled.

So, it’s time for me to visit a high-end shoe shop for a handmade selection. My favorite shoe is the stylish, classic loafer, which goes great with most outfits: shorts, pants, polos, button-ups.

Above all, it’s important that the shoe fits properly. A pair that is too small or loose can cause painful blisters, which can be a major turn-off not only for your date, but for yourself!

Taking Care of my Wrinkles

As important as it is to find the right fits, I also want to take care of my wrinkles, which have been bothering me for years. They’re bound to make people think I’m older than I really am!

There are so many ways to address this issue, but I’m not yet ready to go under the knife, which is why I’m looking into a “liquid facelift,” a non-surgical procedure that that uses Botox and other injectables. No need to do anything dramatic when a touch-up will do!

Finishing Touches with Accessories

Once I have all of the major pieces ready, there are a few accessories that will take things to a new level.

I’d love a new watch that is noteworthy but not too flashy—a classic Rolex, maybe. I’d also like a trendy haircut and a jar of pomade, which has long been one of the best tools for styling hair. Lastly, a bottle of woodsy, masculine cologne would be unbelievable.

With all of this in mind, it’ll be a piece of cake to reenter the dating scene with the pride and confidence I had in my 20s!