First dates can be interesting. Women tend to handle them with style and grace. Some are versed in the art of dating, but most are simply playing it by ear. Either way, they're composed. They rarely miss a note. Meanwhile, homeboy sitting on the other side of the table, too often, is struggling like Jodeci, circa 1991, to find the beat. K-Ci, Jo-Jo, Devante, Dalvin; it doesn't matter which one. What I'm saying is he's operating with two left feet. He can't locate his rhythm. He's out of synch.

By the way, the odds of discovering another R&B group comprised of four young black men that all suffer from deficient dance skill are slim, but not as slim as finding a man who doesn't treat first dates like Russian roulette. Even though men mean well, women are keenly aware that, as we spin our game, we always have one dumb ass deal breaker of a move sitting in the chamber with which we might shoot ourselves in the foot at anytime. So on that note, allow me to offer up some don'ts for men going out on the first date.

Women, take heed and recognize the signs as they might tell you that not only is he not Mr. Right, he's not even Mr. Right Now.

And if this doesn't have useful application to your life, as you are married or have simply given up on dating, please share this with others who may find it helpful in preventing the first date from becoming the last date. There is a fine line between the two.


Men, don't...

Offer up unsolicited denials such as "I'm not a player"
No matter how you spin the truth on this unsought testimony, it breaks down under scrutiny. First of all, only actual players or those suffering from player aspiration syndrome, feel compelled to disavow their motives in such a voluntary and disingenuous manner. Second, if you really aren't a player, don't worry, she knows it my man. You would be wise not to underestimate a woman's intuition. Just be who you are. You don't have the stamina to keep up the facade long enough not to be exposed and she doesn't have the patience for your shell game.

Disclose your feminine side until you've firmly established your masculine side
This isn't a machismo trip. This is about what women like. With exceptions, women prefer men who remind them of other men, like their fathers, however cliché those things may or may not be. Grab hold of the reins and play the game junior. And speaking of the game, if this applies to you, DO NOT disclose the fact that you're NOT a sports fan as you sit there grazing on a teriyaki tofu salad or something equivalent. At that point, you might as well tell her that you do aerobics to maintain your figure and that you haven't missed an episode of "Grey's Anatomy". Here's the deal - more women than you may realize are sports fans - especially during the big games, so you're best served to sidestep the topic of your disdain for sports. There is a time and place for such a disclosure. The first date is neither. Don't misunderstand me; there is no shame in not being a sports aficionado. I'm just suggesting that you slowly pull back the curtain on certain things in a need-to-know manner. Control the flow of information.

Wear a Bluetooth earpiece
If you find yourself asking your date what's so funny and she says "oh nothing", you are correct to assume that it's something. Just don't let it be a mini-Star Trek Enterprise replica fastened to your ear like a phallic-like digital appendage of some sort. Inflated self-importance doesn't exactly grease the skids for a second date. Come to think of it, you shouldn't be caught wearing a Bluetooth earpiece outside of your car or the confines of your home, date or no date. If this describes you, feel free to join the rest of us in 2010 anytime now.

Slip and forget the condom etiquette trifecta
It's three simple rules that comprise the condom etiquette trifecta. 1.) Don't forget the condom(s). You never know when things might go there. On the first date, chances are they won't, but you never know. 2.) Don't let her know, inadvertently or not, that you HAVE the condoms. Otherwise, you might as well put your stupid ass Bluetooth back on and call someone else because she's preparing her exit strategy. 3.) And most importantly, don't expect to USE the condoms. It never fails. Your desire for sex will be detected. Men don't operate well in stealth mode. She'll zero in on your motives like a heat seeking missile and obliterate your game altogether. Tread lightly.

Don't gasp or make any sudden gestures when she orders the filet mignon
Right or wrong, busted budget or not, be prepared to spend the money at this point. Personally, I'm of the opinion that women should refrain from ordering the priciest menu item on a first date. It's part of female dating etiquette, but it happens. And when it does, you need to roll with it playboy. Your eyes shouldn't go full moon. Keep them in their sockets and leave the racist stereotype imagery to the 40's and KFC commercials. Do your homework, know how pricey the evening can get, and plan accordingly.

Speaking of which, don't play big spender when you're not
Unwittingly, getting saddled with the $65 dollar steak is one thing. But bluffing as if you have big money to spend, in the first place, is kind of Ray J-ish. Not cool. We live in a culture of expectations; so don't start what you can't finish. This isn't the Iraq war.

Go to the movies and waste two hours
We're talking about a first date. The goal should be to get to know each other. Spending two hours inside a dark cavern of a theater at the local multiplex doesn't advance your agenda, whatever that may be, scrupulous or not. Something interactive, like conversation over drinks, dinner and desert at three different spots might be more inspired. Rebecca Brody, the Luv Coach here at BV on Love, recently shared that one with me. Try it my man and thank us later. But whatever you do, don't introduce the bootleg option into the possibilities for the evening, as it's not an option for a man who is serious about a second date. The laughable irony is the very suggestion of watching a bootleg movie on the first, second, third or fourth date is kind of bootleg in itself. Step your game up.

More to come at a later date (seriously, no pun intended).


Mason Jamal lives, observes and comments. He writes about issues pertaining to the style, substance and sensibilities of men, women, and relationships. For more of his musings, you can visit www.MasonSays.com. To have his commentary delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here. Keep up with Mason's daily thoughts and observations on Twitter @masonsays.