I’m a Millennial, and Gen Z men need to step it up with dating. I say this with love

I’m not trying to start a generational war here. I genuinely want Gen Z guys to win. But man… y’all are making it hard to root for you sometimes.

My wife and I were out at a bar the other night grabbing a late dinner, having some sliders, a couple cocktails, and some laughs. But as it got later, the going-out crowd started rolling in.

Let me tell you…

The women?
Looked amazing. Hair done, dressed up, confidence on point. Made me do a double take. I’m married, and still, my winky felt a little confused.

The men?
I don’t know how else to say this: they looked like they just woke up in the parking lot.

Unkempt facial hair. Wrinkled shirts. Basketball shorts at a bar. One guy looked like he was actively losing a fight with gravity. It was…not good.

And I get it fellas: life’s hard, money’s tight, and we’re all a little tired. But dudes…

You’re not in a post-apocalyptic survival sim. You’re at a bar. With people. Show up a little.

Here’s the thing:

• Just shower.
• Get clothes that fit well. Not too tight, not too baggy. Flatter yourself.
• Put on deodorant that smells like “I’m employed.”
• Be kind. Maybe ask someone a question about themselves. Shocking, I know

That’s it. You’re already ahead of the curve.

The bar isn’t low, it’s underground.
You don’t need to be Brad Pitt. (You see how old I am? Making Brad Pitt references? Who is the hot actor these days?) You just need to not look like you’re halfway through molting. You know those snakes that shed their skin? Thats you. Thats what I thought of.

I say this with love:
Y’all have potential. But right now? You’re getting out-hustled by women who planned their outfits three days in advance while you’re Googling “can you iron clothes with a hairdryer.” Actually, no you’re not. You probably don’t know what it means to iron something.

Do better. You can. And the rest of us want you to win.