Press & Media
24 Hours
How to Impress in Eight Minutes
SHE SAID
So your biological clock is ticking and it's louder than a police cruiser siren. Hit the silence button already! Why am I talking about hushing the urge to procreate?
Nothing - and I do mean nothing - scares a dude off quicker than the sound of a baby hungry clock, which leads to my first bit of advice for gals considering the speed-dating train:
- Take a pregnant pause. If you're hot on the baby trail, he can smell it a mile away. When he does, he'll be thankful it's a speed date so he can get the heck out of there.
- Dress classy, not trashy. No guy wants to date a woman inspired by Britney Spears' sweatsuit-and-cigarette years. Polish up with straight clean lines and natural makeup.
- That said, speed dating is not the place for gold digging. For the Anna Nicole Smith types on the deep-wallet prowl, you'll likely have to find those diamonds elsewhere.
- Brains or bust? Sure some blokes just want a shot of arm candy to match their Saturday night wears, but there are plenty of them who want brains in their dames.
- Ask solid questions and provide well-formed answers because, seriously, the whole Stepford Wife thing is so passe.
- Don't judge a book by its cover. Certainly you won't experience electric bolts of chemistry with every speed-dater you meet, but always bring your manners to the table regardless.
- He's wearing old, beat-up shoes and is clearly pattern challenged, but he also might have 10 other wicked qualities you're looking for. Go beyond the cover and you could be pleasantly surprised.
HE SAID
Well, I don't think they noticed my shoes. Which is probably a good thing, because they had nothing on some of the high-powered footwear I noticed on the feet of my speed-dating competitors.
Also, I wore jeans, and the ladies didn't seem to mind. It seems that clothes don't make the man - though they can probably break him, if you dress shabbily enough.
Here are a few other tips for men venturing out on the speed-dating trail:
- Shut your damn mouth! I know it sounds easy, but I didn't see it happening all that often. As the women remain stationary while the men move from table to table, it can seem like they're holding the cards. This creates a need to impress by babbling about our jobs, cars, clothes and summer homes that we may or may not own in the Muskokas. Before you know it, the time is up and you look like a self- centered idiot.
- Don't be a Space Invader. Fastlife recommends you keep your hands to yourself and I believe this is a good rule to follow. Remember guys: If it will get you thrown out of a club, it will not help your speed-dating case.
- Ask some damn questions: Did you know that women like to talk? They do. If you encourage them to do so, and listen to what they say, they will also like you.
- Think about your mood and image. Go to your happy place before you meet anyone, even if it means you have a glazed look and a listless smile on your face - it's still better than a scowl.
- Don't wear clothes that you would never wear otherwise. Women can smell a fashion fraud (and the mothballs still clinging to your one good suit). Make an effort to look nice, but if you'd rather die than tie, leave the business look at home.
- Lastly, remember that you might end up going on a second date. This means you probably shouldn't lie, or you should at least stick to falsehoods you can remember. If you've never actually been well-digging in Zaire, she's gonna find out, dude.
By TANYA ENBERG AND JORDAN HEATH-RAWLINGS
