What to watch out for on a date
I’ve bartended for over 12 years, and I’ve seen a number of things that just surprise or annoy me. It’s not uncommon for couples to meet at a bar on a first date. Some have a drink before dinner to calm their nerves, but I’ve also seen some sleazy activity. So, these are the things young men or women should watch out for:
■ A person who is constantly checking their phone usually tends to be too self-absorbed with their imaginary self-importance to be much fun.
■ If you’re meeting for the first time, try to look your best. This usually means clean and neat. Men should wear a suit or sports coat, not workout sweats or a sweatshirt and jeans. Ladies should have makeup on, comb their hair and wear something feminine but not suggestive. (You know what I mean.)
■ Do not let anyone pressure you into having “one more drink for the road.” If one drink is your limit, that’s fine. If you would rather have a diet drink or coffee, that’s OK, too. Don’t let anyone make fun of you for what you drink or if you don’t drink.
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Never let anyone pressure you into having more alcohol than your limit allows.
■ If the person you’re with keeps looking around the bar in an effort to check out other people, dump them. If you are their date for the evening, they should be focused on you. This also goes for someone who keeps making nasty remarks about other people around them. Before you know it, they’ll be making ugly remarks about you, too.
— Terry M., Dallas
I usually pack a hoodie in a carryon piece of luggage. I can unzip it and use it to stay warm by draping it over the front of myself or putting it on with the hood over my head. This helps reduce noise if I want to sleep and protects my hair and scalp. After all, I don’t know who was sitting there before me.
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— Matthew V., Brookfield, Wisconsin
As a dermatologist, I see a lot of people who are careless with keeping their skin clean.
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Don’t use an oil or a face cream to remove anything but the most difficult eye makeup. Otherwise, just use a mild soap and water, and wash your face only using the pads of your fingers in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse well. (Don’t use a washcloth or anything abrasive on your face.) Your skin needs water.
Pat your face dry, and while your skin is still in a dewy state, use moisturizer that is suited to your skin type. Don’t forget your neck when applying moisturizer.
— Anonymous, in Los Angeles
Every summer, we used to bet on an invasion of ants in our kitchen. I’d put food away, and if I didn’t have time to clean the breakfast dishes before I left for work, I’d place them in the refrigerator until I got home that evening. Finally, one day, I sprayed them with vinegar, and that was the end of the ants.
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— Angela B., Hillsboro, Oregon
Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@heloise.com. 34 37 38