Dating and Relationships: The First Impression

One cannot begin dating or form a relationship with someone without first meeting them. First impressions are important. Though everyone may not remember the first time they met someone they remember the first and last impression that person made.

So how should men conduct themselves, no matter what the setting, when meeting a woman for the first time? What I mean by no matter what the setting is that most of us don’t meet with dating and relationships in mind. We usually meet because of circumstances like work, school, social functions or just shopping.

The first thing that a man should do when seeing or meeting a woman for the first time is treat her as an equal. Many of us have grown up in environments where the woman is not thought of as highly as the man. Those of us who grew up in two parent households are often taught that men do the heavy lifting while women handle the domestic jobs. To this day, my mother still says things like, ‘That’s a man’s job.’

This way of thinking immediately elevates one sex above the other as society feels that men are the stronger of the two. Many men believe this and look at women as companions but not equals. This is one of the first mistakes we make when it comes to dating and relationships.

The second thing is to look presentable. Sure there are times when we can’t look our best. Examples of this would be if we do manual labor or work out. Some women may like the rugged or athletic look when they see you the first time, but eventually you’ll have to clean up. Our parents were right when they told us to look presentable when leaving the house, because someone is always watching. As men, most of us aren’t into dating or having a relationship with a woman who doesn’t take care of themselves. Why would we expect the same from her? Looking presentable means that you care about yourself and your appearance.

The third thing is look past the physical. This is not easy for either sex. Both are attracted to people that they find physically attractive. Men do not whistle or catcall at women whom they do not find physically attractive. But as the saying goes, ‘beauty is only skin deep.’ And actions speak louder than words or looks. Sooner or later if you begin dating a woman what is in her heart will come out. If not the relationship is a lie.

The fourth thing that a man should do when meeting a woman is very important. Talk to her in a nice way and listen to what she has to say. When first meeting a woman I follow this simple rule. Don’t say anything to her that I would not say to my mother. This stops me from saying anything that she may find offensive. And listen to what she has to say. It shows her that you are interested in more than her body.

These are four simple things for men to remember about the introduction when dating and relationships are involved.