Courting Disaster is Jackalope Ranch's weekly column of dating horror stories, observations, how-tos, and more by Katie Johnson. Names of ex-boyfriends, past hookups, and bad blind dates have been changed to protect the guilty.
Few of us can claim to be fluent in the language of love. In truth, there's a lot that gets lost in translation. But between worrying about what to wear and what to say, it may help to know there are several things you're probably already doing that he secretly loves.
See also: 5 Things Women Secretly Love About Men
5. Your body
Okay, maybe men wanting to see you naked isn't so much a secret. But the fact that they couldn't care less about a pimple, an ingrown, a couple extra pounds, or the fact that you haven't shaved your legs in a day or two is. If it comes down to touching up your toe nail polish or making it to the date on time, we vote you skip the speedy pedicure and choose the latter. After all, it's the devil that's in the details, not your boyfriend.
4. When you can work a room.
This isn't 1950, and you're not arm candy. Show your significant other that you can converse with the best of them, and he'll be just as impressed as the rest of them. Forget what you've heard about dainty doe-eyed debutantes. Yeah a firm ass is great, but a firm handshake and the know-how to charm a room? It takes a lot more than a personal trainer to make that happen. And guys know it.
3. When you know how to drive stick.
And no, we're not talking about that stick. Danica Patrick doesn't do damsel in distress, and neither should you. Guys find it incredibly sexy when a woman knows how to change her own oil, replace a flat tire, or shift gears in manual like a pro. Consider taking a class or reading through your car manual. Known more about your motor vehicle could save your ass in the future and jump start more than just your engine.
2. When you can really eat.
We're pretty sure Prince's line "act your age mama, not your shoe size" could easily be applied to mealtime. Stop ordering off the kids' menu and pecking at your food like a bird. Eat like a real adult person. Guys won't be disgusted if you consume more than 400 calories. In fact, it will make you look confident and comfortable with who you are. As for him, he'll feel good about his decision either to cook for you or to take you out.
1. When you get embarrassed
Let your guard down once and a while. Most often, you intimidate the shit out of guys. Give them a chance to see that you're human you have flaws of your own. As an added bonus, if you do find yourself in an embarrassing situation whether it's an accidental fart or your skirt tucked into your underwear, try to laugh it off. Sure he'll probably be laughing too but he'll be seriously turned on by the fact that you can roll with the punches.
