The Introduction

Some might ask themselves why this was not the obvious topic to start with. Well, I am of a mercurial mind and I don't often like everything to be in perfect order. However, there is one social event that should take its place amongst the first in sequence. The introduction.

Many of my mates have left me awkwardly standing beside them as they converse with others, completely forgetting to introduce me. This not only makes one feel completely irrelevant, but it also shows others that you aren't very important to this person, nor does he feel proud that you are there with him. While there are many excuses that can be given, in short, it is just a down right lack of etiquette and respect.

Gentleman, when out with your lady friend also be aware that when you introduce her, she will pay attention to HOW you introduced her. For example, if you say "This is my friend so and so" when you guys are supposed to be dating, or if you say "my girlfriend so and so" when you guys just met... etc. because she will be paying attention. Your best bet is to introduce her in this manner...
To your friends, say Hey Friend one and Friend two, I would like you to meet So and So. Prevent giving titles to anyone. Relieves you from slipping up. No one wants to deal with the fall out of an improper introduction. It leads to all sorts of pouting, and resentment.

Onto the first meeting... So you see a fine girl sitting in your row, she's dressed in yellow, she says hello, come sit next to me you fine fellow... Okay not every meeting is going to play out like a Young MC song, so you can't just go bust a move. However, the bold factor is a great one. What have you got to lose? If she is a real woman, interested in you or not, she will appreciate the gesture. There is nothing I hate more than a guy doing double or triple takes my way, and then walks off without a word uttered. I am left thinking either I had snot on my cheek or you are a coward. I don't fancy myself the Something about Mary type so, mostly guys are cowards. Nothing can be lost by politely thrusting a hand forth and saying, "Hi, my name is...".

This applies even on the internet. I was amazingly shocked this morning when I was friend requested by a guy, whom IMed me after perusal of my profile, and opened with a Hello. Not a "what's up" or "hey", or like another guy did <>. This gentleman took the time to introduce himself. He actually wrote "Let me introduce myself. I am.." I was taken aback and appreciative, and immediately receptive to all forms of communication with him at that point. There is nothing worse on social networking sites then having guys IM or message you with "wow your hot" (notice the spelling) or " U look good, wanna chat". Such slang is best reserved for after you know the person and have established some sort of comfortableness with each other. But NOT for a first attempt at contact. Men, its not that hard to be a gentleman. It's just remembering a little thing called time and place. Knowing the right time and right place to behave certain ways. Women let a lot of things slide, especially after you get some things right in the beginning.