There must be any number of books, magazine articles and advice columns that help women to understand men but how often do you see anything that tries to help the man? Yet every day you will hear guys admitting that they “just don’t understand women”. Surely there is a gap in the market there.

But do not despair - Dennis W. Needer has written a book entitled Being a Man in a Woman’s World and it is full of advice on how to be successful in your relationships with women.

It covers subjects like “The Test” (something all women give to men, whether they are aware of it or not, apparently), how to meet women, and how to deal with problems in your relationships. Apart from anything else, it is a sure fire winner to leave lying around for her to find and conclude that you are a sensitive guy who wants to know how to treat her better. Of course, you may not have read it, but there’s no need to mention that…

The book is available from Amazon at a mere $13.57 and, if you read it cover to cover and find it works, Mr Needer has already written a follow up, Being a Man in a Woman’s World II. Hey, if it works, don’t stop doing it!

Whether you meet online or are just on a blind date, everyone agrees that there are definite “date killers” that will almost guarantee that your first date is going to be the last one. Here’s a list of things that can make or break a first date.

1. Looks nothing like their picture. Everyone wants to put their best foot forward but a picture that is too unrealistic or is from 5 years ago before you gained 30 pounds is going to convince your date that you are, at the very least, deceptive.

2. Bad hygeine. Bad breath, body odor, dirty fingernails or just plain slovenliness shows your date how you should look after a hard day in the mines, but if you are an accountant, there’s no excuse for not cleaning up a bit.

3. Drinking too much. None of us are at our most attractive when we are sloshed, so try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

4. Being too forward. Let your date show you she’s interested and make sure she’s receptive before you initiate physical contact. Better yet, let her know you are recptive and let her make the first move.

5. Talking about ex’s. Chances are if he/she is your ex, there aren’t a lot of good things to say. It’s a turn off when the conversation revolves around someone who isn’t even there and you could come off sounding embittered and angry. Not a good first impression.

6. If you smoke, be open about it. Even if your prospective date doesn’t object to smoking, it’s makes you look deceptive if you say you are a non-smoker then chain-smoke through the entire date.

7. Turn off the cell phone. It’s annoying if a date takes calls on a cell phone all night and makes the other person feel as if your concentration is elsewhere. If you have to have the cell on in case of an emergency, explain why (maybe you have a child with a babysitter) and turn the ringer off. Never text message during a date.

8. Don’t talk only about yourself. If you are your only interest, your date may wonder where he/she fits in. Do spend time asking your date about himself/herself. You’ll learn a lot and it’s hard for anyone not to like someone who finds them interesting.

9. Complaining. If you complain about the service at dinner, your seats at the theatre, the price of the taxi, etc., he/she will get the impression that nothing will satisfy you and feel that all these minor details are more important to you than the company.

10. The best advice: Be yourself. Don’t try to impress, don’t lie or exaggerate. You are who you are and want to find someone who appreciates that person.

Valentine Gifts to Avoid

1. The Practical Gift - Even if she really needs some practical or household item, don’t do it! A new dishwasher a week after Valentine’s Day will get you a gold star but on Valentine’s Day it will get you a spot in the doghouse.

2. The Sexy Lingerie Gift - She will naturally assume that this is a gift for you or that you think that she’s usually boring and unappealing. There’s also the risk of getting the wrong size. Whether too big or too small, she may feel insulted or hurt and that is definitely not the reaction you want from a present. Too dangerous and can go wrong too easily.

3. Gift Cards - A card says that you couldn’t be bothered to put any thought into your gift. Additionally it gives her nothing to open on the important day. An exception to this rule might be a gift certificate to a spa or salon for a day of pampering, but have a card and a small gift to wrap for her to open.

4. The Panic Gift - This is the one you got on the way home at the local drugstore. It usually includes some wilted flowers without a vase, a generic card with your name scribbled on it and a standard box of chocolates. This says “I remembered at the last minute and didn’t want to get in trouble”.

Valentine Gifts She’ll Love

The best gift to give is one that is meaningful. It doesn’t have to be traditional, although it adds a nice touch to include a bouquet of flowers or even a single rose. Find a gift that says “you’re special” and one that your Valentine will know you put thought into. This could be an elegant pair of diamond earrings or a gold necklace. Buying her something related to her interests and hobbies is also a good idea. Whatever you decide on it should be something that is personal. A blank card that you write an original note expressing your feelings will be more treasured than any mass-produced Hallmark greeting. If you are not confident of your writing ability, find a poem that best describes how you feel and tell her how it reminds you of your love.

Guys, you know she’s expecting flowers, they’re the most traditional gift on Valentine’s Day next to chocolates. You can seek the advice of your florist on the best arrangement or be a little creative in choosing a bouquet.

Long-stemmed red roses are the most traditional Valentine flower, but roses come in many gorgeous shades, each holding special meaning. Check out the meanings of roses and choose a panopoly of colors that stand for all the many facets of your relationship. You can include a card that explains the meaning of each rose and how it applies to your relationship.

Tell her that the red rose symbolizes your passion, yellow is for the underlying friendship that makes your relationship strong, pink is her elegance and grace etc.

Choosing the bouquet to represent what your relationship means to you will say much more to her than if you plunk down some cash for the standard, unimaginative gift.

For the meanings of the variety of roses:
A Rose By Any Other Color