So, the school year has begun, and, like most teenaged boys, you have probably found a girl that strikes your fancy. Your probably thinking, “Briagha, I don’t have what it takes to be smooth and get girls.” I say that’s ridiculous. Anyone (well, almost anyone) can become an irresistible romantic. To help you out, I’m going to give you four essential tips from me, a girl, to you, a guy.

1. Man up. You’re not going to get anywhere if you never leave your posse of lunch friends. You’ll never find out how you’ll be together unless you actually have a conversation. Why? Because,contrary to popular belief, the concept of talking is kind of important in relationships. Try to find something that you share in common, and if you can’t find something (which will most likely never be the case), DO NOT make something up. Girls absolutely hate that. Plus she’s bound to find out someday.
2. Take a shower. I’m being completely serious. Girls associate body odor with junior high kids. So you don’t want her to use the transitive property to link your lack of washing to your lack of maturity. This is a trivial part of your success as a suitor. Also deodorant, toothpaste, and mouthwash are good assets in your dating arsenal.
3. Never, under any circumstance, ask a girl to be your girlfriend when you’ve never spent any time with her. That’s what freshmen and junior high kids do, and believe me, those relationships end within a week. Get to know her. Make sure that she knows that you are interested before you even think about popping that question.
4. Don’t be preoccupied with your looks. Unless you wear the clothes you wore when you were four, she probably won’t care. I know you hear it all of the time, girls like guys’ personalities more than looks. Maybe there are some girls that disagree with me, but they’re probably not worth your time anyway. Know what you’re good at, and don’t be ashamed of it. As long as your hobby isn’t something illegal or disgusting, she probably won’t care. Yes, even if you spend your days in your basement playing Starcraft, she can probably see through your lame addiction and realize that you have a kind and loving soul. But you’ll probably have to ease up a little bit on those tournaments so you can actually spend time with her.

So there you go. Four simple tips that will undoubtedly help you make the leap into the dating world. So good luck, and have fun.