When was the last time you looked in the mirror? I mean really looked?  The sort of looking that means you turn this way and then that way and then sideways (and wonder what on earth that is in front of your tummy - answer: more tummy) and then your head. 

I'm guessing the vast majority of chaps have never done this. Or maybe for the first time they wore long trousers ("Gee, I'm a real man!") or, for a joke of course, tried on their girlfriend's dress ("Gee, I'm a real woman!") There are a few men who do approach the mirror with love and attention and I heartily applaud this (and they’re very nice to pass by in the street!). They take care of themselves, they look good, they smell great and they can appreciate the effort that their dearly beloved has made. And I strongly believe this makes for a better relationship.

If you've made an effort, you look and most probably feel, great. Why on earth do you want to be walking alongside someone who doesn't care? I know it's not the be all and end all on our wonderful planet, but for heavens sake, why be a Skoda when you can be a Jag? So for any of you guys that have let yourselves get to Skoda level, here are some handy hints that at least will get you to Toyota level. And with some more effort, you will easily reach Jaguar level:

Hair
Your average barber will give you an incredibly average cut and believe me; a good hair cut makes a huge difference. Huge!  So the guy you’ve been seeing since you were in high school because he does your brother, your dad and the family dog, he may be cheap and a friend of everyone but check out your hair. Is this what you really want?  Have a look around you at the other guys, in the magazines, on TV, at the films. How do you compare now?  And tell your barber what you want.  If he can’t do it, change barber. If he has faded blue posters of the “ideal cut” that look like George Michael, change barber. If he never asks you what you want, change barber. And then ask your friends who have good cuts where they go. 

And use good products. When it comes to hair, I very much believe in organic products. If you can find them, they work dramatic wonders on hair over time. Try www.mypure.co.uk for the A’Kin range. You may never have noticed your hair before, but these products leave your hair shining. A mini miracle!

Face
There’s a lot of facial hair going around at the moment. Personally, I’m not fond of it and far prefer a good clean shave. However, if you will insist on doing the hair thing, keep it neat or you’ll look like Merlin and no woman wants that kind of magic...

Moisturise!  This is great for the skin and I faithfully promise, with my hand on my heart, it will keep you looking younger and fresher. This may not be high on the agenda right now, but one day, you will look back with a fond memory and immediately add me to your will. Two brands I very much recommend are either Biotherme who have a range especially for guys or also Dermalogica which is truly amazing. 

Smells
Wash Everywhere! You know exactly where I mean.

Use an aftershave. There is a raft of smells out there. Pick one you like. Do not wear anything your mother or grandmother gave you.  Many, many years ago, my father’s cleaner (who was one of the sweetest people alive) gave him a toiletry set for Christmas.  Unfortunately it was “Caveman” so he gave it to my brother who wore it with much enthusiasm.  Luckily my brother was about 7 at the time so it didn’t matter too much. But I do think the gold fish died. 

Anyway, there is so much aftershave out there; you could drown in it so I’m not going to make any suggestions as this really is a personal choice. However, do go easy - you only need a dash of it.

Body
Join a gym and use it!!

This may sound namby pamby, but get your feet done, especially in the months coming up to the summer.  I’m not surprised the “socks and sandals” brigade was so vibrant in the UK for so long.  This is now dying out but we are now witness to the amount of callouses, corns and fungal infections (I’m talking about Athletes Foot here, nothing sinister) – it was literally breath-taking. Many years ago, I dated a chap and he had a corn on one of his little toes which was larger than the nail it was snuggled up to!  What was worse, he had no idea! So get to the chiropodist and get everything sorted, even if it’s just for a check up.  If there is something there, you need only go about two or three times in the entire year before you are once again twinkle toes.

Wardrobe
Like aftershave, this is very personal so I really can’t comment here.  Overall, I think most chaps these days are more aware of what’s going on and do take better care of themselves. But please, do not wear socks and sandals and only wear vest T shirts if you have the body of a god.

Final Message
If you do any of the above, you will not become gay. 

You will also feel better about yourself.  How you look probably the biggest indicator of how you feel about yourself. And the funny thing is, if you look better, you feel better and that is a pretty cute cycle to be in. 

So go enjoy and be happy!