Feed her before dinner. It's her popcorn to your movie.

Yes I know that sounds ridiculous.



But hear me out?

I'm sure you've heard some *coy* variation of W. C. Fields's quote: "I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food." But if you're cooking with her (remember my Tip of the Day back in June?) or even if she's watching you cook, give her something to munch on.

(Pause for the "That's what she said" jokes)

You're smart enough to have already offered her a drink, so I'm sure she has a glass of wine in hand. But go out and buy a few small appetizers. It doesn't have to be fancy. Pick a few from this list - hummus, fresh sourdough bread, fresh cheese, slices of cucumber, olives. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Now look at that:

• Initiative to cook at your place - check
• Real, non-disposable plates and utensils - check
• Clean apartment - check
• You're cooking - check
• She's drinking wine and watching you - check

And now she's slightly hungry looking at the food but dinner isn't ready for another 20 minutes. Well? You had the foresight and planning to know this. It's her popcorn to your movie. Well played sir, well played.