One of Dappered’s beloved classics is “What Women Hate About Bachelor Pads.” This list of five includes four of my worst living space nightmares: visible porn, dirty bathrooms, multiple video game consoles, and bad sheets. (The fifth, garage sale furniture, doesn’t make my list. I think there are some awesome second-hand gems to be found at garage sales, so I don’t judge a dude with eclectic stuff.) I thought I’d add to that list. Every woman is different, but I think these are going to be at least somewhat universal red flags. Here are seven more items that may be lurking around your apartment…and could be potential turn-offs for women.
Evidence of other women
You and your girlfriend broke up six months ago but your medicine cabinet still contains a roll of her deodorant and a makeup compact that she forgot to take with her. Toss it. While we’re aware that you likely dated other people before us…we like to pretend you didn’t. Humor us. Also, you don’t want to give the impression that you’ve got different women constantly traipsing through your apartment, leaving their wares behind.
Weird collectibles
I don’t ever want to advise people to change their interests or passions in order to impress a love interest. So if you collect comic books or taxidermied animals or troll dolls, keep on keeping on…but maybe don’t display them prominently in your home. Designate a closet or a spare room to house those antique salt and pepper shakers.
Normally I wouldn’t listen to David and Cal…but they kiiiiinda have a point.
Piles of unwashed clothing
The sight of an overflowing hamper is real unappealing. Even worse, random piles of shed clothing littering a bedroom floor. When women see this kind of mess, we assume you’re unclean in other areas–definitely your sheets (which, presumably, you want us to try out), maybe your personal hygiene. Why give us that impression? Laundry isn’t anyone’s favorite task, but it’s gotta be a priority.
Displayed trophies
I’ll take “Trinkets Of Your Former Athletic Glory” for 400, Alex.
The answer is: participation medals for fourth grade soccer and high school football trophies.
What are, things that belong in a box in your garage?
That is correct!
Mismatched glassware stolen from bars
When you’re in college, you might slip a pint glass into your pocket before being ushered outside after last call. Before you know it, you can’t drink a glass of water in your apartment without being reminded of the last time you took a tequila shot. When you get your first job and have a bit of extra dough, donate that motley looking crew to Goodwill, and replace it with a set that matches.
Looks nice when stacked behind the bar, right? Not so much in your kitchen cabinet.
Filthy fridges
Almost as bad as a dirty bathroom? A dirty fridge. Syrup spills, parsley that’s turned to dust, cilantro that’s turned to sludge, leftover containers from…when the heck are those from anyway? Clean it out; clean it up.
Crunchy things on the floor
Picture this: your new girlfriend has spent the night for the first time. After basking in post-coital bliss, she gets out of bed to get a glass of water…and the bottom of her bare feet swiftly accumulate crumbs, dirt clumps, and other unidentifiable crunchy things. She has to dust them off before she gets back into bed. Romance killer! Sweep and vacuum your floors on a regular basis, and especially if you’re expecting company…and want that company to return.
About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .