The first step towards boosting confidence is looking and feeling our best. The confidence that comes from knowing you look your best is immeasurable and can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life.

Every man has encountered terms like cologne, perfume, and aftershave, but not all are aware of their distinctions.

• Cologne: Originating from the city of Cologne in Germany, this type of fragrance is lighter in concentration. Perfect for a subtle hint of fragrance, colognes are everyday go-tos for many men.
• Perfume: Often considered the crown jewel of fragrances, perfumes are rich, robust, and long-lasting. With a higher concentration of oils, they offer an intense aromatic experience.
• Aftershave: These are specially designed for post-shave skin care. Their mild fragrance and antiseptic properties ensure your skin remains infection-free while smelling great.

Even the hottest, happiest couples can eventually find themselves smack in the middle of a lengthy sexual rut. Time passes, your relationship deepens, and you become more comfortable with one another. Life happens. Things can start to get routine when it comes to sex as a result. Don’t simply resign yourself to it. Break out of your rut (or prevent yourselves from falling into it in the first place) by having frank conversations about sex together on a regular basis. Take turns telling each other what you each need, as well as suggesting new things you might like to try. Both your sex life and your relationship in general will benefit.

Trends are set by a lot of people, and can spontaneously arise. But the vast majority originate in a marketing firm somewhere.

Whether you’re seeing it on the front of Esquire, on a mannequin at Brooks Brothers, or in a Hollywood blockbuster, “this season’s look” exists because clothing manufacturers want you to buy clothes all year round, every year.

There are a couple problems to following marketed trends. The first is, obviously, cost — most of us don’t have the luxury of investing in a new duds every few months.

A second major problem is that “trends,” by definition, have to be recognizable. This means that fashion designers work to include unique, striking traits, ranging from unusual colors or patterns to very severe modifications on traditional cuts for menswear. These “different for the sake of being different” styles tend not to catch on over the long haul, and when the fashion fades, you’re left with a garment that’s just weird-looking instead of “in.”

Finally, trendy clothes are made to become quickly obsolete. They’re rarely built to last, since the assumption is that the wearer will replace them within a year or two. You’re not only getting a bad deal, but contributing to needless waste as well.

A better alternative is to buy sturdy, high-quality clothing made and tailored in a classic, enduring style without any experimental flourishes. Not only will this allow you to buy clothes less frequently, but those you add to your wardrobe can last for years, and even decades, without ever going out of style. 

1. Dress Up When Necessary

If you want to be a cool dad, perhaps it’s time to put a little effort into what you wear.

When you first became a father, high fashion probably meant a clean pair of sweats. That may be okay every once in a while, but you can also try adding more durable pieces to your wardrobe, too.

Dressing up can portray a message to your children. For example, it speaks a lot about self-care. You may never run out of things on your to-do list, family and work perhaps taking first and second place, but you should always find time to take care of yourself.

When it comes to your wardrobe, the key is to focus on a style that’s right for men, not teenagers. Don’t try to find common ground with your kids by dressing like them. That will likely only cause more alienation between you.

Here are some pointers to achieve your cool dad style:

– Start with a leather belt or a funky watch.

– Instead of wearing a dingy undershirt under your collared shirt, opt for a tee with a pop of color.

– Rather than the usual windbreaker when in gray or drizzly weather, try a classic trench coat. This adds a hint of old-school “spy dad” to your style.

– Remember, dressing like your children won’t fool anybody. On days where you want to connect with your inner child, do it with your footwear. Loafers with a wacky print or bright-colored canvas shoes are a great way to add coolness.

– Go a little more daring with the print on your tie when you want to be both formal and stylish.

Sometimes dudes make the mistake of not thinking through which accessories to wear. The wrong ones can definitely add dork points rather than edgy ones. When you’re hitting the coffee shop with your laptop, for example, you definitely don’t give off a cool vibe if you walk in with stacks of papers and a bunch of cords. Instead, find a rugged messenger bag or a leather backpack to add some style to your look and some organization to your items.

2. Don’t Be Shy about Keeping it Real

Like most things about parenthood, figuring out how much sensitive information or personal views to share with your kids is something of a balancing act. If you reveal too much of your checkered past, you can scar them for life. OK, maybe not really, but you may end up sharing more than they can handle at the moment.

Like most things about parenthood, figuring out how much sensitive information or personal views to share with your kids is something of a balancing act. If you reveal too much of your checkered past, you can scar them for life. OK, maybe not really, but you may end up sharing more than they can handle at the moment.

On the other hand, if you pretend to have a squeaky-clean background or a sunny outlook on everything, your kids are apt to see you as someone they can’t confide in.

A truly cool dad will be one who develops a sense about how much reality his kids can handle and when may be the best time to fire off that “truth cannon.”

Obviously, sons can draw comfort from the fact that it’s normal to feel conflicted about sex, partying, college, and those other minefields of high school and young adulthood years. Daughters can also benefit by learning more about those mysterious creatures known as teen boys.

What about other concerns such as current events and shaky family finances? Mom and dad often instinctively keep those realities to themselves, especially if there’s something about the topic that might make kids feel anxious. The “coolest dad” thing you can do, though, is to at least give your children some idea of what’s going on and how you feel about it. They’ll appreciate knowing they’re not alone in worrying, whether it’s about global warming or affording the college of their dreams.

3. Respect Their Emerging Opinions

It’s normal to throw out the “cool dad” persona when your kids start expressing opinions that make you uncomfortable.

Just remember, though, you had some pretty cringe-worthy opinions when you were young, too. In fact, it’s totally natural for children and teens to bounce all over the place when it comes to how they feel about religion, social issues, and even their favorite sports teams.

Even if you’re dismayed by some of the opinions they hold, stay calm. For one thing, it’s not unheard of for teens to be mini-contrarians. Whether they know it or not, they may simply want to argue the opposite point-of-view to establish their own ideas. Whether they view you as a cool dad or not, they need to veer away a bit to get a better sense of their own identity.

Even if they sincerely have a different ideology than you or want to pursue a career you don’t believe in, be patient. Their views are apt to change – and change again. If they feel safe enough to have a spirited but respectful debate with their “cool parents,” they’ll be able to grow and learn.

Of course, you don’t have to sacrifice hipness by pretending to agree with a radical position when you don’t. You can always let them know if you’re saddened to hear something that goes against your own values.

At the same time, try not to argue them out of their positions. They can’t really come to an informed point-of-view without exploring all aspects of a topic. The coolest dad thing you can do is be a sounding board while they sort through their thoughts.

4. Be Strong Inside and Out

As much as caring about values and feelings is important, sometimes the more superficial elements of your lifestyle can’t be ignored. Along with paying attention to clothing and grooming, staying fit is part of staying cool in your kids’ eyes, as well as to the rest of the world.

Does that mean out-of-shape dads can’t be cool? Of course not. We can all think of movie stars and rock gods who aren’t exactly health nuts. For most guys, however, staying in shape is an excellent way to build up confidence. Projecting that aura of command is key to the whole cool dad image.

Most of all, it helps you keep up with your kids and their friends when they want you to, whether it’s chasing after them at the beach when they’re little or joining their laser tag team when they’re a man down!

There are probably times when you wonder if being a cool dad should really be a high priority in your life. To be honest, your image shouldn’t preoccupy you unduly, but it’s only natural for men to want to keep their edge as they enter a different phase in life. Fatherhood is no exception. You’re certainly not neglecting your children if you focus on other aspects of yourself than fatherhood. After all, when you make becoming a “cool dad” a priority, you’re focusing on both worlds. When you do it right, those aspects can only enhance one another.

Pressuring your loved one into playing games is a surefire way for them to associate bad thoughts with gaming. If you make it about your convenience rather than their enjoyment, likely your significant other will continue looking down on your gaming habit. Instead, personalize the pitch. Tell them that their interest in fantasy novels might translate well to a story-heavy role-playing game like Pillars of Eternity or that their Sunday afternoon puzzle routine is a great hook into 3D puzzler The Witness.

Make it about their pleasure, not about yours.

A lot of time the response might be, “But I’m not good at games.” The idea that years of training are the only entry point into a love of gaming is false. Some games are pretty frustrating to pick up without certain gaming proficiencies, but others, like point-and-click RPGs or games with excellent tutorials, are not. Make sure you emphasize that skill isn’t a factor—you’re in it to have fun together. And that all depends on what game you pitch.

For most guys grooming starts and stops with their hair and face. But, if your below-the-belt care consists of only a splash of soap every so often, it’s time to upgrade your ball game. You and your boys below are deserving of ball-focused hygiene practices that will improve your daily comfort, confidence and skin health.

So why is Ball hygiene important?

Aside from being an area that most men closely tie to sexual health and self-confidence, our balls also happen to be one of our most sensitive areas, prone to odor, itch, and irritation. For an area so important to us I hope we can all agree we should be taking care down there. 

Well, why do balls get smelly? 

Let’s be real! All guy’s balls can smell from time-to-time, it’s fine, it’s natural, and it’s typically because of sweat glands called the Apocrine Gland. 

Apocrine glands typically live in highly active, dark, hot and moisture-prone areas like your groin and pits. These glands secrete a concentrated fatty-oily sweat to the surface of the skin when either your body temperature rises or your stress hormones increase (ie. hot weather, sports, and general life stresses). The odor you smell comes from bacteria that live on your skin which consume and break down this sweat into a very odor-rich fatty acid. 

My best advice to young men today, which is advice I received from my dad, is to be a thermostat, not a thermometer. We all have this choice in life, we can be like a thermometer, simply reflecting the environment we’re in, or we can be a thermostat and take responsibility for setting the temperature.

1. I Bet You Make Babies Smile.

You’re recognizing the positivity that shines out of this person.

2. You Have Impeccable Manners.

Good manners are the ultimate form of courtesy and consideration of others.

3. You Are The Most Perfect You There Is.

We all worry that others won’t like who we are at our core. We all benefit from the assurance that being ourselves is enough.

4. Your Perspective Is Refreshing.

This is a powerful affirmation for a person who is brave enough to share their ideas, even if they might be unpopular at first.

5. You Should Be Proud Of Yourself.

You’re letting your loved one know that their accomplishment is worthy.

6. You’re More Helpful Than You Realize.

This is a great one to reassure our friends that they are appreciated even beyond what they are aware of.

7. You’ve Got All The Right Moves!

This is a great all-around affirmation and it can cover anything from steps taken in a procedure to dance steps.

8. Your Kindness Is A Balm To All Who Encounter It.

We totally encourage you to embrace your poetic side, especially in texts and writing.

9. You’re Even More Beautiful On The Inside Than You Are On The Outside.

During a time when many of us fear being seen only for what’s on the surface, it is especially valuable to let others know that you perceive what may go unspoken and unseen by others.

10. When You’re Not Afraid To Be Yourself Is When You’re Most Incredible.

It helps when we all encourage each other to be our honest, authentic selves. Fear and insecurity can cloud any endeavor, and we can all benefit from affirming each other that we are enough.

11. If You Were A Box Of Crayons, You’d Be The Giant Name-Brand One With The Built-In Sharpener.

Try on some metaphorical humor to express your compliment words and produce a smile.

12. You’re A Candle In The Darkness.

This one’s deep. It gets the most mileage in writing where it can be read over and over again in times of self-doubt.

13. Actions Speak Louder Than Words, And Yours Tell An Incredible Story.

You’re saying that you are moved by your awareness of another’s courage and tenacity.

14. In High School, I Bet You Were Voted “Most Likely To Keep Being Awesome.”

That’s a funny all-around good compliment that says: “You’re great now and I bet you’ve been great since forever.”

15. You’re Really Something Special.

The word “special” is boundless in its depth.

16. Babies And Small Animals Probably Love You.

The thing about babies and small animals is that they are symbolic of raw honesty and ultimate truth.

17. If Cartoon Bluebirds Were Real, A Couple Of ’Em Would Be Sitting On Your Shoulders Singing Right Now.This is a humorous way to say that another exudes positivity.

18. You’re More Fun Than A Ball Pit Filled With Candy.

Ball pits, candy, and Disney World are universal metaphors for fun and unfettered happiness.

19. You Always Know How To Find That Silver Lining.

Idioms for positivity never fail to add color and creativity to your words.

20. You’re More Fun Than Bubble Wrap.

Metaphors as compliments are great for adding character to your compliment words. What other metaphors for fun can you think of? Waterslides? Zip lines? Ice cream cones?

21. How Do You Keep Being So Funny And Making Everyone Laugh?

A general awed “How do you do (x)?” is a consistent way to say, “I’m impressed!

22. You Have The Courage Of Your Convictions.

We love this one because it recognizes the value in another’s honesty, authenticity, and integrity. Speaking our truth is hard. It will always be. We can all use all the support and encouragement we can get to keep being strong in our beliefs no matter how vulnerable we may feel when we fight for them, especially in the face of opposition.

23. You Are Making A Difference.

You are letting your loved one know that their actions, thoughts, insights, and presence matter to you, and to everyone around you.

1. Take A Trendy Workout Class

Learning a new exercise together can be fun and intriguing.It might test your level of fitness, flexibility or even ability to learn on the spot but what makes this great is the fact that you get to go through the process of learning it together.

2. Fulfill Your Bucket List

Fulfilling your bucket list can be one of those great things to do. From skydiving to wine tasting, our bucket list can cover both ends of the spectrum.Create great memories by crossing a few items from each others’ lists.

3. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take a ride up above the clouds. Enjoy a breathtaking view with your love.You might want to celebrate the beauty with a glass of wine.

4. Snorkeling

Spend some time with sea creatures and underwater ruins.Take pics or just fetch the amazing moments into your mind.

5. Star Gazing

When you think about romantic evenings some things that cross your mind include wine, picnics and star gazing.Stargazing is a great way for couples to relax and connect with each other.

6. Check Out A Trampoline Park

There’s no greater place to bring out the child in you than at a trampoline park.There’s no harm in a “play date”. Playing brings out the best in us and helps us to relive our happiest moments.

7. Have Brunch

There’s just something special about a brunch date, man.Choose a nice, cozy spot to have brunch and it’ll be a winner every time.

8. Go Horseback Riding

This can be a thrilling experience especially if you’ve never done it.Horses are majestic and can run at high speeds.The experience can be electric. You won’t forget it.