If a guy as famous and successful as Ben Stiller struggles to meet his girlfriend’s parents, what hope is there for the rest of us?

Meeting your partner’s parents can be one of the least enjoyable relationship milestones, ranking somewhere below holding her hair back while she regurgitates a weekend’s worth of margaritas and realising she could win a gold medal in the Dutch Oven Olympics.

But no man wants to be the subject of disapproving looks from across the dinner table, or the main character in a horror story about shitty ex-boyfriends she’ll tell her future husband (not you) – so sack up, stay cool under pressure, and launch a charm offensive even the most dubious dad can’t deny.

Get Your Stories Straight

Parents love to hear their children’s meet cute stories, so make sure your version aligns with your partner’s. You may have different takes on how your first meeting went down, or your partner may have embellished bits in previous tellings to their family, or their parents may be conservative and unlikely to appreciate the romance in your 3am Tinder hookup. You don’t have to weave a tale worthy of Nicholas Sparks, but you should know which answer to “So how did you two meet?” is least likely to end in an awkward silence.

Do Your Homework

You wouldn’t approach an important job interview without doing research first, and this meeting should be no different. Ask your partner for My Parents 101. Learn something about what they do, what their personalities are like, the family history, and any idiosyncrasies it would be helpful to know ahead of time (preferred names, unusual habits, political and religious leanings, etc). Early recon can help conversations flow more easily and soothe some of that first-meeting anxiety. Plus, asking your partner questions about their family scores you points because they know you’re making an effort.

Dress The Part

This should be a no-brainer for any man, and no sweat for a sartorial-minded guy such as yourself. Meeting your partner’s parents is not the time to rock socks with sandals, slum it in sweats, or take your brand new RompHim for a spin. Present yourself well in clothes that flatter you without making you look overdressed. When in doubt, follow the three Cs: clean, conservative, classic. And don’t forget to keep your hair, nails, and face fresh and well groomed.

Be Loving But Not Lovesick

Should you be affectionate in front of your partner’s parents? If so, how much is too much? The line between sweet and sordid can be finer than the Queen’s china, but looking like a frigid, disconnected dickhead isn’t the way to ace a first impression either. A hand around the shoulders or a hug signals the #1 thing any parent cares about: that their child is loved and cared for. A hand on the ass signals the #1 thing no parent wants to think about: that you’re horny AF for their little baby. Aim for something in-between. Think doting, not groping.

Speak Up

Take initiative in conversations. Show interest in getting to know the family by asking questions. Be generous (but genuine) with your praise. Plan some conversation starters if you’re worried nerves will get the better of you. Don’t act like you know your partner better than the people who raised them, even if you do. Don’t stay attached to your partner’s hip if it’s a larger social gathering; mingle and aim for some one-on-one quality time with the ‘rents to prove you’re confidant and comfortable. Don’t be loud, obnoxious, rude, or vulgar. Say something nice – but not try-hard – about your partner. And if you really want to earn bonus parental points, find an opportunity to ask Ma and Pa for their opinions or advice on something.

Don’t Speak Out

All that being said, there are times when it pays to keep your trap shut. Do not go anywhere near potentially controversial subjects the first time you meet your partner’s parents. You may find out later that you share similar views, but until then, don’t bring up anything that could be contentious. Even so-called “healthy debates” are best avoided. This obviously includes subjects like money, religion, and politics, but also goes for how you speak about your partner. Don’t criticise them in front of their family, even if it’s in jest, and for the love of God don’t start an argument.

If You’re A Guest, Be A Good One

Don’t come empty handed; bring a host/hostess gift that’s thoughtful but not over the top. Offer to pitch in with tasks around the house. Don’t walk around in your skivvies. Don’t protest if the parents request separate beds. Don’t hookup – at least don’t do it loudly – if Mum and Dad are within earshot. Stay present and keep your face out of your phone. Be nice to siblings and other relatives you meet. Win over any pets or small children. Embrace all their family traditions, even and especially the dumb ones. Remember your manners and mind your Ps & Qs like you’ve never minded them before.

Be Yourself

Parents can smell fakery from a mile away, so cut the act. Yes, you should compliment Mummy’s cooking and admire Dad’s DIY handiwork, but it should come from a genuine place. Don’t force it. You want them to see what their precious angel sees – a good guy, with an actual personality, who has good things going for him and, if you’ll excuse us for using the dreaded M-word, has the makings of marriage material. The more you make them feel like they’re meeting a real person who sees them as real people – and not just another ass-kissing boyfriend trying to win them over – the more you’ll actually win them over.

But Be Your Best Self

There are limits, of course, to the above advice. Your partner clearly thinks you’re someone they can bring home to meet the fam, so don’t disappoint them. Be yourself but bring your A-game. The parental introduction is not the time to be the bro’d-out brute you are around your buddies. Don’t drink too much. Don’t pop a palmful of Xannies to get through the stress. Be present and positive. Be helpful and polite. Put down your smartphone. Show gratitude often. Give a firm handshake. Make eye contact. Smile.

Have An Exit Strategy

That air of mystery you cultivated when you first wooed your partner works wonders on their parents, too. Don’t overstay your welcome or be a stage-five family clinger. When things start winding down, say you’d love to stay but have to leave because of [insert plausible excuse here]. Exit on a high note to leave them loving you and wanting more.

The post Secrets To Making A Great First Impression On Your Partner’s Parents appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If Dante had a tenth circle of hell, it would be a non-reclining middle seat in coach, wedged between a sweaty sumo wrestler and an incessantly chatty arm rest hog, with a snorer in front and a crying toddler behind.

Oh, and they charge for the peanuts.

It’s far from divine and comedic only in the darkest sense, but don’t let the blues of flying economy keep you from getting a much-needed holiday. Expert travellers know the secrets to making coach feel like first class – or at least making it more bearable than a simultaneous root canal and colonoscopy, which is a start.

Choose The Right Airline

Do a little leg work ahead of time and your legs will thank you. Airlines everywhere are decreasing the width of their seats and the distance between rows in a desperate (some would say ‘despicable’) bid to boost revenue. If you don’t want to spend hours on a long-haul twisted into a position only a yogi should attempt, it pays to know which airlines and plane models offer the most space in coach. SeatGuru’s long-haul economy comparison chart is an invaluable resource to consult.

Select Your Seats Wisely

All seats are not created equal. Book as early as possible, and come prepared with a map of your aircraft (again courtesy of SeatGuru) to get an overview of the best seating. Choose the aisle or window, depending on your preference. Choose an exit row if you want more legroom, but remember that you won’t be allowed to keep a carry-on under the seat in front of you. The same goes for bulkhead seats. Seats in front of an exit row will not recline. Avoid seats near the galley and toilets at all cost, and if you trust a survey from Skyscanner, book 6A.

RELATED: The Secret To Selecting The Best Economy Seat On Your Next Flight

Pay The Comfort Tax

If your budget has a little leeway, but not enough to upgrade to a higher class, spring for your airline’s premium economy option. A moderate extra fee can mean more legroom, better amenities, priority check-in and boarding, a more appetising menu, and better service. While access to a business or first class lounge won’t be included, you may be able to purchase a pass to enjoy the lounge life without a pricey plane ticket. Some banks even offer cut-price or complimentary lounge passes with certain credit cards or premium accounts.

Get Cosy

As good as those stifling skinny jeans make your junk look, you’ll be cursing the day stretch denim was invented five hours into your long-haul flight. It’s essential to dress comfortably any time you travel, but as we know from impeccably groomed gents like John Legend, Harry Styles and Elijah Wood, comfy doesn’t mean schlubby. Wear layers in case the cabin gets cool, and shoes that won’t get cramped if your feet swell. Invest in compression socks so they don’t. Choose natural fabrics for maximum breathability. If you’re feeling particularly nihilistic, there’s always Dress Pant Sweatpants.

Hydrate And Dine

Try to avoid heavy foods in-flight, pack healthy snacks, and hydrate like you’ve just traversed the Sahara on foot. Those who are acutely alarmed by airline food may want to go the extra mile and pack their own meals. Those who are willing to brave it might consider ordering a special meal ahead of time, such as vegetarian or vegan, as they are often slightly better quality. Just say no to excessive alcohol or caffeine, as both undo all that good H2O hydration work you’re doing. Plane cabins can be extremely dry with humidity levels that reach only half the comfortable percentage for humans, leaving you and your skin parched, and making you more prone to bacteria and viruses.

Stretch

In the immortal words of James Brown, “Get on up.” Try to get out of your seat to stretch your legs at least once an hour. Do those dumb exercises you’ve scoffed at in articles. Moving keeps your blood flowing and will help you feel more alive when you finally land.

Snooze

The ideal way to survive an economy flight is to remember as little of it as possible. And the ideal way to do that is not, as one might think, to drink into a blacked-out state of oblivion, but instead to pay a peaceful visit to the Sandman. Recline your seat, give your neck and back the support they need, pop in earplugs or put on headphones, and slip on an eye mask if you’re irritated by the surrounding lights. If that’s not enough to drift away to dreamland, try a cup of chamomile tea or a melatonin supplement.

RELATED: If You’re Going To Sleep At An Airport, This Is How You Do It

BYO Entertainment

Thanks to the benevolence of the travel gods, many if not most airlines now have seat-back entertainment systems. But that doesn’t mean you’ll like what they’re offering. The safest bet is always to come armed with entertainments of your own, whether it’s podcasts or books or a laptop loaded with movies. Make sure all your devices are charged and everything you plan to access in-flight is downloaded. Don’t count on getting any work done when there’s no such thing as elbow room. And be sure to invest in a quality pair of…

Headphones

Fly with the right pair of headphones and you’ll never go back to airline-branded earbuds again. It’s nearly impossible to properly hear music and movies over the dull roar of the engines and the inevitable wailing child. Most people increase the volume of their headphones to compensate, which in turn can contribute to hearing loss and higher stress levels. Instead, invest in a well-made set of noise-cancelling headphones. You’ll find some of our favourites here: Wireless Headphones That Sound As Good As They Look.

Splurge On A Quality Carry-On

Whether it’s a cool leather weekender or a futuristic smart suitcase, rocking the right cabin luggage will take your travel game to the next level. What makes a quality carry-on? It has to score high on style, of course, but it should also have space for all your essentials and allow them to be packed in a convenient, accessible way (pockets and compartments are your friends). That being said, as important as it is keep your must-haves handy, it’s also important to avoid any extra and unnecessary cramping. Travel as light as you can so your personal item doesn’t hog all your valuable foot space.

Stock It Well

Once you’ve selected the right piece of carry-on luggage, it’s time to stock it. Along with your headphones, electronic devices, and entertainment options, here are other items you may want to consider for the comfiest possible flight in coach: a water bottle, a neck pillow, an eye mask, hand sanitizer and/or santizing towels, a toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, lip balm, a small cushion for extra padding, ear plugs, fresh socks, snacks, a portable foot rest like the Fly LegsUp hammock, and for the truly no f—ks given man, the utterly spectacular Ostrich Napping Pillow.

RELATED: How To Look Fresh-Faced After A Long-Haul Flight

The post How To Travel Calmly & Comfortably In Economy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Novelty face filters on social media platforms are nothing new these days but when one actually attempts to trick a user into adopting an animal in need then it definitely deserves some accolades.

Pedigree, the brand which makes pet food, has teamed up with Facebook to implement a new feature into its ‘Masks” application which lets users test out different dog filters on their face.

With a shake of the head users can scroll through countless different canine face filters. Once they do find a dog filter they like and nod, a pop-up window appears showing the user the closest animal shelter housing your animal of choice. Mission complete.

RELATED: Why Getting A Dog Is Good For Your Health

Whilst it may seem like good hearted fun at first, it’s no doubt a smart way to market a needy cause with the help of human impulse and emotion. The program itself forms part of Pedigree’s push for National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month.

The post Facebook Has A New Secret Weapon To Make You Adopt Dogs appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

American Pie penned the term ‘MILF’ way back in 1999 as reference to a sexually alluring being of the motherly nature.

Fast forward to today and there’s a new form of sex appeal – the DILF – a term we really don’t need to explain but will just in case. Dad I Like to F*ck.

Whilst it sounds unattainable in the real world and only the domain for names like David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling and a few others of the Hollywood elite, that once-elusive DILF status is fast becoming something that can be achieved via a distinct formula.

Case in point, newly-crowned DILF title holder Josh Brolin. The 49-year-old father of two is rising the ranks of the comic book world and it’s no fluke (he’s already played Thanos in two Marvel Universe films and will play Cable in the upcoming Deadpool 2).

A quick browse through his Instagram will reveal a man with the charisma, literature prowess, physical presence and a total dedication to his craft and the fitness demands that come with it.

The result? Ultimate DILF status.

Lest we forget, Brolin is also pretty proficient in the area of style with his current military-style undercut taken down the silverfox route. It’s a look which says, “Hey, I’m old…but I can still kick your ass.”

Working more and less time to keep in the kind of shape I want to. When you do it cleanly results are harder to earn but and you can lose them fast. But even if you can’t put in a 2 hour workout of abs, cardio, weights and boxing, it’s always nice to remind your body what kind of shape you want to stay in. 30 minutes today of random exercises: thrusters, push ups, lunges, burpees, straight bar rows, deadlift. Not too heavy but I feel it. Lifts my mood enough where I don’t want to give up from experiencing those days of the perfect scenario. …oh, yeah, then the pass out # @prevailactivewear #cableswole @iambuilt

A post shared by Josh Brolin (@joshbrolin) on Sep 14, 2017 at 7:49am PDT

Add to this the man’s penchant for relaxed three-piece suiting and muscles to rival a man twenty years his junior and we have DILF status.

See the gallery to witness the ascension of Brolin and his style. We can guarantee you it’s better than looking up to Trump and his fatherly exploits.

The post Josh Brolin Is Proof That DILF Status Can Be Achieved appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

English watchmakers Bremont are commemorating a milestone with the release of the new 1918 Limited Edition, a trio of striking timepieces crafted to celebrate the Royal Air Force’s centenary year.

With the rich tradition of dogfighting to draw upon, Bremont chose to take inspiration from three of Britain’s most formidable warplanes of the era including the Bristol Blenheim, a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane. All three planes saw service during the peak of WW2 in 1940 and this important period is duly marked with a rotor and propeller blade complemented by a veneer of wood taken from the Shuttleworth Collection’s 1917 SE5a.

All three pieces will be limited edition releases with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), a supporting body of current and former RAF personnel for almost 90 years.

The 1918 Limited Edition will come in three distinct looks.

Stainless Steel

The polished stainless steel 1918 features a 43mm case housing the BE-16AE automatic chronometer with 42-hour minimum power reserve and C.O.S.C chronometer certification. This movement drives the hours, minutes, seconds and GMT 12 hours alongside a telemeter function. These all sit on an Opalin matte metal dial with applied indexes, solid gold/blued nickel hands with Super-LumiNova coating. Water resistance meanwhile is set at 100 metres.

Flipping the watch around will reveal the Bremont decorated rotor featuring the aforementioned metal and wood veneer from a WW1 and WW2 plane.

White Gold

Tinged in a quintessential hue of British blue, the 1918 Limited Edition white gold timepiece borrows the same inner mechanics and functions as the stainless steel model albeit with a bolder aesthetic. This particular piece is limited to 75 pieces and will retail for AU$28,900.

Rose Gold

Rounding out the 1918 Limited Edition collection is the rose gold variant, an elegant approach to an already attractive timepiece. It shares the same specifications and movement as the others and is limited to 75 pieces worldwide and retail for AU$27,000.

The post Bremont Unveils One Of The Best Looking Watches Of The Year appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Okay, a physically shrinking penis maybe a bit of a stretch (see what we did there), but there is the real issue of a penis losing its ability to maintain peak erection, thus resulting in a penis that was of its former glory.

The phenomenon lies in the appendage’s ability to maintain consistent levels of tumescence, the scientific word for erection firmness, according to Mary Samplaski, MD, urologist and the director of male infertility at the University of Southern California.

Whilst measuring an erect penis over time may give the impression of penis shrinkage, Dr. Samplaski told American Men’s Health  that it is still very hard to gauge.

“There’s not really a medical tool for measuring penis shrinkage. What we do know is that smoking and age can cause a decline in testosterone production.”

Smoking has been identified in the past to cause damage to blood vessels which in turn disrupts the flow of blood to the penis. The result is a penis which isn’t at its peak length when you need it most.

It’s all a bit murky at the moment with doctors still not able to comprehend the link between testosterone and erectile dysfunction, but there have been studies which support the notion of testosterone affecting the strength of erections. Other medical conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes and thyroid issues may also affect erectile strength, according to Dr. Samplaski.

Think of it this way, if your penis isn’t as hard as it once was, it’s probably a good idea to see a doctor because the issue could be arising from anything from cat scratches to performance anxiety to the more serious heart disease. In general though, a softer penis usually means you need to drastically overhaul your lifestyle which could include quitting smoking or going to the gym.

When it comes to fitness and erections, exercise is known to remove plaque which can calcify in the body and prevent blood vessels from stretching. To be on the safe side of penis sizes, Dr. Samplaski says that men need to exercise at least three times a week in order to increase their testosterone levels.

Once you’ve got that part sorted, you’ll need to keep watch of your junk food intake as obesity promotes fat which contains enzymes that converts testosterone into oestrogen –  a bad process which can cause erectile issues and testicle shrinkage, according to Dr. Samplaski.

Leslie Deane, who is a doctor and associate professor of urology at Rush University says that, “Exercise is a natural means of achieving a rise in a man’s testosterone. Testosterone is important for the health and well-being of the male functional organs”.

And now for the kicker.

Even if you’re totally healthy and clean, don’t smoke and exercise regularly, you can still encounter erectile dysfunction due to the natural effects of ageing.

At least now you have the knowledge to prolong that erection.

The post Bad News Men, Your Penis Can Actually Shrink In Size appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Punch ‘turtlenecks’ into Google and you’ll be met with endless variations of style ideas – for women.

Do the same for men and you’ll be duly met with controversial and debatable points of discussion which touch on the notion of whether or not it’s ok for men to even wear turtlenecks.

Steve Jobs championed it. Tom Cruise still does it. And Drake was turned into a relentless meme for it. Today, in 2017, Andrew Garfield is one man game enough to go against the tide by pairing the classic turtleneck with what is arguably one of the slickest red carpet looks going around

At the recent Tommy Hilfiger VIP Dinner at the 13th Zurich Film Festival, the Spiderman actor took a toss of the coin and came out on top with his simple yet highly effective pairing of a dark navy turtleneck with classic European tailoring.

Think a black coat, midnight navy trousers and simple oxfords, or even a tailored classic black suit. Bear in mind that this look often works best for the northern fall and winter seasons so you can guarantee it’s as functional as it is stylish.

As to the ongoing debate of whether it’s okay for the modern man to wear turtlenecks? We’re going to put our pride on the line and say that you certainly can if you keep the hues in check and the fabric at a premium.

The post Andrew Garfield Is Single-Handedly Reviving This Controversial Menswear Piece appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Brace yourselves, fashionistos. Socks are no longer mandatory at the Melbourne Cup Carnival for men starting this year. That’s the latest bombshell to hit punters today with the Victorian Racing Club announcing that they’re taking a more relaxed approach to racing attire for the 2017 event.

The strict rules for men wearing socks at this race have long been in place across the event’s history, so this new deregulation is bound to enrage some traditionalists who are calling it a fashion faux pas.

It’s important to note though that the VRC might not be doing it as a sign of laziness or dropping the standard, but rather that modern fashion has moved with the times and the necessity for socks with every suit is simply unfeasible with today’s extensive choices. As an example, men who wore loafers in the past would wear their socks into the venue and then remove them once inside.

The lifting of mandatory socks will extend to the Members Enclosure and the Birdcage during Flemington race week. UK stylist William Hanson wasn’t too impressed with the announcement, telling the 3AW radio hosts that he’s “aghast” and that, “It’s not common-place here, thank heavens. No one of quality stock will be doing it, I assure you”.

The post VRC Drops A Menswear Bombshell For This Year's Melbourne Cup Carnival appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Last Sunday whilst enjoying a succulent breakfast of ricotta pancakes with my girlfriend I had something brought to my attention about my grooming routine. Apparently, I was in the minority of men who didn’t partake in this new “male trend”.

From memory I was wearing gym gear which included a tank top. As I leant back and stretched to show off my hectic guns my girlfriend looked at me and let out a mortified “Eeeew!” and then proceeded to tell me my armpit hair was too long and I needed to do something about this…pronto.

Within the blink of an eye I told her no man ever trims his armpit hair which was followed up with a group text to a highly trustworthy sample of humans in the form of three mates.

The results were startling.

Me:

Do you trim your armpit hairs?

Friend #1:

100%. My theory is them shits get long, pits over heat and sweat more. I use one blade ya’ dig.

Friend #2: 

No, I don’t bro. Should I ?

Friend #3: 

Haha, funny question. Yep.

Men, you heard it here first.

We can successfully conclude that 2 in 3 Australian men trim their armpit hair. Can’t exactly say I’ve ever had a problem of overheating armpits like Friend #1 but no judgement here. For everyone wondering if I actually adhered to my girlfriend’s command and trimmed my armpit hairs…Yes, like a little bitch I did. Strictly for research purposes only.

The Results?

After 30 seconds of clipper trimming I had a slightly more respectable looking crop of ginger armpit hair that in all honesty was not that different in appearance to before. Shaving down to the skin seemed a little too feminine for me but if you’re into the smoothness, then respect.

A Doctor’s Opinion

We asked Dr. Zac Tuner to help by offering his medical opinion on the matter.

“Yes, there are medical benefits for men clipping armpit hair. Firstly, it can reduce smell and it can also reduce fungus which can help sufferers of psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions. However, avoid shaving as this can lead to more problems such as cutting or irritating the area.”

The post Men Trimming Armpit Hair Is Actually A Thing appeared first on DMARGE Australia.