Category: Share your Love

Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or ways to make yourself feel loved, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. Here, find date night ideas for men so they can dress to impress.

In our age of revolving dating apps stocked with endless options, it’s more important than ever to step up your date night game with solid style, effective planning, and memorable manners. For guidance on all of the above, we linked with experts from the classic British menswear clothier Charles Tyrwhitt to discuss how to sharpen your look without denting your dating budget.

1. Build a core closet

Establishing your core wardrobe with elements that allow for both comfort and confidence is key to enjoying a great dating life. When it comes to pants “Chinos are perfect because they go with just about any outfit,” says Charles Tyrwhitt marketing specialist Stephanie Gallo. She also suggests picking up basic pieces that work with your current closet, such as a versatile jacket to compliment your favorite button-up. “A good blazer is also a wardrobe staple as it is easy to dress up, and dress down.”

2. Add subtle flair

Though basic rules will always exist (shoe color should always match the belt), don’t dress so safe that you get lost in the crowd. To stand out the right way, Gallo recommends adding some elements of low-key flair, like a modern take on a classic shoe (like these Leather Hybrid Sneakers), or to compliment a blazer or suit, a pocket square (either low-key class or with some flash). And choice accessories aren’t the only way to stand out from the pack; gifting flowers after a few dates is sure to get you remembered.

3. Plan accordingly

When you’re ready to ask someone out, remember, a simple drink at the bar is possibly the least memorable first date known to man. While there’s nothing wrong with suggesting a round to warm up for the evening, try to build it into a meaningful date that shows you’ve been paying attention in conversations or DMs. What favorite places, foods, and activities have your date mentioned, and which do you have in common? Relationship expert Dr. Betsy Chung says, “There’s nothing like a person who truly listens . . . be genuinely curious about your date’s story, and you’ll be able to remember important details that you can use to ‘wow’ them in future dates.”

4. First impressions

When that fateful first date night arrives, Gallo reminds us to keep focused on balance: “The goal on a first date is to look good but not overdone. If you dress too shabby or over-the-top, then your date will be more focused on what you’re wearing rather than who you are.” And if you end up stressing over your outfit less than an hour before meet-up time (no problem, it happens to the best of us), Gallo says to merely elevate pieces you already have in your wardrobe. “If you simply own a classic pair of pants – you can elevate the look with a simple button-down shirt.”

5. Pay honest attention

When we’re nervous on a date, we tend to talk a lot, mostly about ourselves. Should you feel this coming on, sit back and let your date guide the conversation. “Find a healthy balance between personally relating to the conversation topic and showing genuine curiosity in what your date has to say. Listen to what is being said rather than the voice inside your head,” advises Dr. Chung. And it should go without saying, but once the date starts, keep both your hands and eyes off that phone! Ideally, you should turn it off, but if that thought causes panic attacks, at least switch to Do Not Disturb.

6. Normal plus formal

If things click and a relationship begins to develop, be sure to alternate date planning to keep things exciting. You never know what level of dress your partner’s date idea will require, so make sure your closet is ready with a cornerstone classic suit. “A suit is a core investment piece that should be in every gentleman’s closet,” says Gallo. “Our classic twill suit is perfect for your special occasions.” If things take off and a relationship develops, the reasons to formally celebrate will start rolling in — a birthday, the holidays, and if you’re lucky, an anniversary.

7. Dress flexibly

Sometimes dates go from indoors to outdoors. Often a restaurant is much colder or warmer than we expected. To prevent sweltering or freezing, learn the art of smart layering for date night, which begins with picking up a strong, versatile outer layer. “Invest in a good jacket, it is truly a wardrobe staple. One of my personal favorite jackets at Charles Tyrwhitt is the Fall Herringbone Collar Jacket. Layer that with a Cashmere Zip Neck Sweater and a fun striped Washed Oxford Top with the collar peeping out the top,” says Gallo. “Cashmere is as warm as wool, but more breathable and with less bulk, so this sweater will fit comfortably under your jacket and shouldn’t lead to overheating.”

8. Just be yourself

Dr. Chung reminds us that dating isn’t about one-upping the next guy or putting on a front to charm someone, rather, simply presenting the true you in a conscious, considerate way. The same mindset applies to style. “Don’t overthink it…dressing is an easy form of expression, so allow your style to reflect your personality,” says Gallo. Relax, there’s no way to completely lose on date night, because if this one doesn’t work out, congratulations, you just gained invaluable experience!

Ready to make their heart flutter? Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or tips on how to sweep them off their feet, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. This profile of Eros Miranda, relationship coach, and TikTok sensation, offers helpful advice for couples.

With a name like Eros, the Greek god of love, you’re almost predestined to have a career related to human relationships. Such was the case for Eros Miranda, a relationship coach, TikTok influencer, and host of the Eros to the Heart podcast.

Since Miranda was a child, he was curious about love and the intricacies of what makes a successful coupling. “I recall always wanting to help others and was particularly intrigued about relationship dynamics,” he says. “I wanted to understand why certain individuals were in healthy relationships, while others were being mistreated.”

His passion for helping others led him to law school and a focus on family law. “I chose Notre Dame because I believed in the philosophy of their law school: Use the law as a vocation to serve others,” he says.

His legal career started in Florida in 2018, but at the same time, he realized he wanted to use his expertise to help individuals in all aspects of their relationships.

“Specifically, I noticed that those in unhealthy relationships had their backs against the wall, so I wanted to offer alternatives and solutions that went beyond the legal aspects,” he says. He became a certified relationship coach to broaden his ability to assist others.

Today, he’s not just a lawyer guiding clients through the legal process but an empathetic, advice-giving counselor to those struggling to be heard.

Social media influence

With 1.2 million TikTok followers, Miranda is fulfilling a need for people in a relationship seeking his expertise. “I understood that as my influence grew so did my responsibility to make a positive impact.”

Miranda gives credit to his legal background and training in analytical and critical thinking for his success as a relationship coach and expert. “I learned that no two scenarios are alike. I identify the problem and develop the solution,” he says.

“When I hear, ‘Eros, you really saved my relationship’ or ‘Eros, you made me realize I was in a toxic relationship,’ I have never felt so accomplished as when I help those people,” he says. A noble effort, and likely approved by his godly counterpart.

We sat down to get some love tips straight from Eros himself.

Learn your love languages

Miranda is influenced by Dr. Gary Chapman’s love languages and encourages couples to discover how you and your mate prefer to show and receive love. “How do they like to be loved?” he asks. “Is it words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts?” Couples can explore the love languages philosophy together.

High on the list of successful coupling is to be good listeners, Miranda says. That means not just waiting for your turn to talk. Repeat back to them what they’ve said, then add your voice. Pay attention and truly learn about your partner, Miranda says. “Notice if they like to be held or told they’re going to be OK, how they react to certain situations,” he adds.

On Valentine’s Day, you may want to try expressing your feelings with words of affirmation (one of the love languages). Whether in a letter or card, write from the heart, Miranda says. Take time to sit down and compose something sweet and thoughtful. Maybe this is the year you try a love poem, or, Miranda suggests, a romantic list of songs.

Romanticize the little things

People often wonder how to get the honeymoon phase, or the spark, back. Miranda suggests finding romance in the day to day. “In the beginning, everything is butterflies and rainbows when you’re falling in love,” Miranda says with a laugh.

“The honeymoon phase is being reliable. Calling in the morning and saying, ‘I’m going to have a busy day at work, I’ll call you later,'” he says. Couples often get too comfortable, and we take each other for granted.

Miranda also says we should be grateful for our partners. Say thank you. Remember that relationships are a choice, and every day you are choosing to be with your partner.

Write a sticky note that says “Have a great day!” Offer a back massage. Sit with your teen when he’s watching his favorite show. Arrange a dinner delivery for a friend when she’s having a hard week. Or send flowers. All these are expressions of love.

“Gifting flowers is so beautiful,” Miranda says. “It’s an unexpected yet thoughtful gift that immediately shows appreciation and love for the recipient, even if it’s not a romantic partner.”

While relationships require work, sometimes putting in the effort is fun. That’s why Eros loves Valentine’s Day. “The day is a chance to revamp the relationship. Break routines. Get love back. Do something special. Flirt like the beginning. Prioritize intimacy.” Plan dinner, a date night, or bring home roses in her favorite color, he suggests.

Address challenges

The top issue Miranda sees in relationships today is communication. No surprise there, as couples have been trying to figure out how to talk to each other since, well, Zeus and Hera. Communication is the basis of a healthy, loving relationship.

When we disagree, childhood needs can bubble to the surface. We might not feel safe. We might want to run. We might want to fight. Know yourself. If you’re not ready to talk, tell your partner you need a moment to collect yourself. Say you need a break, perhaps a walk to gather your thoughts, but you’ll be back.

Returning to the conversation when you’re ready puts you in a better mindset and could save many relationships, he says. It’s OK to say, “Hey, I’m just not in a space to discuss this right now, but I care about you, and I will return to the conversation when I’m able.” Then make sure you follow through.

Miranda recommends using “I” statements to take the burden off your significant other. That means focusing on how you’re feeling instead of their actions. “Say, ‘I feel distant because we haven’t been connecting as much as we could have,'” he says. Suggest ways to come together, perhaps having lunch together, or if you’re in a long-distance relationship, set up a call every morning or at night.

“Approach those tough conversations in a very amicable way,” he adds. There’s nothing more important than being kind.

Be your best you

Miranda emphasizes that while we love our partners, it’s important not to lose our sense of self. His mindset: The couple is stronger together when each person is at his or her most fulfilled individually.

The confidence you get from making yourself the best person you can be is so important for you but also makes you more attractive to your partner. “Improve yourself by working out, focus on your academics or your job,” he says.

But that doesn’t mean you should forget about your loved one’s passions. Embrace what your partner likes. Loving someone means loving all of them. Their sports or personal interests can flow over to you and strengthen your bond. Their enthusiasm for what they love can be exciting for you, too, if you let it.

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Share your love with curated gift picks from the Eros Miranda collection page. From a Passion for Purple Roses flower bouquet to a Denarii Lavender Spa Tower, these gifts will bring joy to your loved one.