Free Advice: On Finding Your 'Scout'

 Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, 

kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, 

and reverent.

Excerpted from The Boy Scout Handbook

OK, so we might strike "obedient" and change that one to "cooperative" but all being equal, my advice on choosing a partner in life is to keep 'Scout Law' in mind.

Does your 'Scout' sport a two-headed snake tattoo, multiple lip piercings, a fondness for Heavy Metal music and only wear black? It doesn't matter. It's all about his or her character. The other stuff is pure gravy. What they like does not necessarily equate with who they are. But what if you don't have a 'Scout' in life yet?

We can all agree that a bar is not the best place to find Ms./Mr. Right. That being said, the reality is that it certainly doesn't hurt to look if you happen to be there. So....

How to spot a 'Scout' from across a crowded bar... 

• They're eating.
• They have decent table manners.
• They are making eye contact with whom they are speaking.
• They are (generally) standing/sitting up straight.
• They are not shitfaced.
• They smile on occasion.
• Their eyes remain open (see shitfaced).
• They do not have a wedding band on.
• They do not have a 'tan line' where a wedding band could be found. 

By now I'm sure you are wondering...So, how do I go about saying "hello" to a stranger in a bar without making a total fool out of myself? Simple. The first rule is to maintain the qualities of  "The Scout Law" yourself. Then, recruit your server. Break down and buy an appetizer (not a drink-an appetizer makes a better first impression) for the guy/girl of interest and ask your server to tell them it's from you. Not a big deal. They do it all the time - don't forget to tip well.

Anyway...now it's up to your intended person to "Scout-up" and  be "friendly, courteous and kind". A decent Scout will swing by your table and thank you personally. If they are interested in getting to know you better, they may ask to join you -  if not - you're only out the cost of an appetizer and you didn't have to get up off your ass!

Uncomfortable about handing out your phone number to a stranger? Sign up for a second email account and use that instead when he/she asks..."How can I contact you?".

Oh, and if you are planning a date - meet them somewhere until you get to know them better.

PS: I married a 'Scout' and couldn't be happier.

Stay tuned for Free Advice-On Dating Your Scout"