8 Horrific Pieces Of Dating Advice That Should Be Ignored By All Men

Most mainstream dating advice is either dated, patronising, or just plain wrong. Here are 8 commonly issued pieces of dating advice you should ignore at all costs.

1. Make an effort

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Please do wash and dress well. But at this stage of the dating game, it’s unnecessary to be putting in too much effort beyond that.

A couple of drinks in a bar or a stroll in the park will still be fun if you’re a fun person—and casual dates such as these take the pressure off both of you.

If you're unsure on a suitable first date outfit, check these six winter fashion fixes from men's clothing expert Ollie Pearce.

2. Just be yourself

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This is a great idea for a sociable, well-adjusted guy. But if you’re one of those shy, nervous introverts who is terrified of women, it’s terrible advice.

You need to be fun, entertaining, and confident. If that’s not you, then fake it until you make it.

Dating coach Linnea Molander agrees that while 'just be yourself' is an encouraging sentiment, it's largely unhelpful.

In a recent blog post, she explained exactly why men shouldn't just be themselves.

3. Take her for a romantic meal

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This idea hurts your chances of securing a second date as much as it hurts your wallet. It’s too formal and too high-pressure. Choose a fun activity, rather than a restaurant.

Check out The London Dater's website for unique, memorable, fun date ideas,

4. Play it cool

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Some guys might play hard to get on a first date to avoid looking needy.

What’s more attractive is having the confidence to look the chick in the eyes and tell her without flinching that you like her.

Dating blogger Erica Gordon is one of many gorgeous women who loves dating direct men.

In a refreshingly honest blog post, she listed six reasons why it's best for a man to be direct.

5. Treat her like a princess

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Too many blokes are “yes men” on first dates, agreeing with everything a girl says.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if you disagree with something she says or does.

Create a bit of tension. Challenge her. It will remind her that she has to win you over, too.

Seduction expert Chase Amante sums up exactly why this works in this classic post on his dating blog.

6. A gentleman pays on the first date

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Some guys are more than happy to front the bill on a first date, but it might be doing them more harm than good.

A girl might not be comfortable feeling like she’s being bought. Those who are comfortable with this may be less inclined to take a relationship to the next level.

Why would she when she’s getting all these free treats at the level you’re on?

Evan Marc Katz perfectly dissects this issue from both sides of the tables on his dating blog.

7. High-quality women make you wait for sex

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Women like sex. Lots of them have one-night stands. But most need to feel comfortable and safe around their man. It’s tough to create these feelings in a few hours, but it is certainly possible.

Celebrated dating guru Nick Savoy admits it's tough to try for no-strings sex without coming off as a creep.

Nevertheless, the Love Systems founder has created a step-by-step guide to securing a one-night stand like a gentleman.

8. Wait 24 hours after a date before texting her

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Don’t play these silly mind games. No one believes you’re too busy to send a text message that same day, so stop pretending. If you’re a cool guy, she’ll like you however quickly you text back.

London dating coach Simon Spencer knows it can be easy to mess things up once you've exchanged numbers.

That's why he created a video manifesto to texting beautiful women, explaining when to message her and what to say,

For more straight-to-the-point dating advice, visit www.thelondondater.co.uk