manners matter

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

This Esquire piece gives a rundown of some important first-date tips most guys probably already know.

Be on time. Pay. Call the next day.

(OK, on second thought, maybe I was a little too generous in saying "most guys.")

I was, however, particularly intrigued by the fact that the article cautions against giving flowers on a first date -- referring to them as "outdated" -- but suggests bringing some other "small, thoughtful gift."

I've never given a guy a gift on the first date, nor have I received one. But I've heard plenty of stories from people who assume the first-date gift exchange is common practice.

Gifts on a first date: Essential etiquette, or extra credit?