Man Up Men

I address unattached  men, men past THE age, whatever that is, and those who are lonely and looking for a companion to spend time with. This advice is not meant to hurt feelings, fellas. It's meant to help you understand what ladies are looking for in a man. If you are interested. Remember first of all, that we require the same kinds of grooming that we always have, of our men. Growing old doesn't mean you can laze up on that. Most single older men I have encountered who are looking for a "partner" to spend their old age with, need to think of themselves as much younger and more energetic, and therefore, need to make time to groom, groom, groom up.  First, get a decent hair cut and trim - yes: ears, nose and whatever else. If you expect to meet a nice lady who looks fine, you need to do the same. No woman, unless she is pathetically desperate, wants to shuffle up to some hairy, unkempt creature from Lost Lagoon. We ladies have eyes, and no matter how old we become, we do not favour old men who don't respect themselves by forgetting about good barbers and getting "done". That includes nails up and down. If you insist on a longer beard, trim it and make absolutely sure it doesn't harbour hints of last night's dinner. In the dress up department, throw out the grampa stuff: the button up cardigan, droopy seated pants and yellowed collar shirts with a white under shirt showing. Don't go in the opposite direction either and unbutton the front to show off a chain lurking among the wiry gray hairs on your chest. It is not appealing. You're not going to get the thirty-year old of your dreams. Those days are over unless you're a billionaire. If you aren't sure of how to dress, go to a good haberdasher and try things on while listening to the valet's advice. You don't have to buy, but do try. And try hard if you are serious about attracting a lady. When it comes time to make your appearance and take your date out for coffee, play it cool. Make a definite time for the meetingin a nice place, and pay for goodness sake. It's only coffee. She will offer, but she will expect you to pay. Sorry, but those are the "rules". It wouldn't hurt to hand her a rose, pull out her chair and be the gentleman you are somewhere down deep in a place you almost forgot. If you don't care for the person sitting across from you, play it to the last act and say good-bye politely. You can rip up her phone number after you drive away. If she doesn't like you, let's hope she is polite about it, too. It's only coffee. When you write or e mail her, please avoid the word "cuddle". When you use that term, you are likely saying that it's all you can do. And even if it's true, never use the C word. In fact, don't refer to that aspect at all. Strong and silent wins every time. Be honest and communicate in that vein. Truth and sincerity work every time.