1. Warning

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If you share your house, text your housemate when you’ve asked him over and warn her that you are bringing a man home. That way, she can make sure she is decent, the flat is tidy, and she won’t be startled if she sees a strange man in the bathroom at midnight. Proper communication is key to keeping the peace; for more on managing shared spaces, see point #{3}.

2. Be Prepared

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Make sure you have some sort of contraceptive ready! There is nothing more embarrassing than having to ask a flatmate or make a shameful run to the garage to grab some contraceptives. You can find detailed information on different methods at Planned Parenthood. Ensure you are prepared in advance, and you’ll be ready for any situation!

3. Clear the Room

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There isn’t really anything more embarrassing than an awkward coffee with your flatmates when you’d rather be in private, so ask them to disappear for ten minutes when you arrive. They can have the run of the house once you and your guest are safe behind closed doors!

Quick Checklist for Bringing a Guy Home

4. Room Check

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Make sure your room is fit for company before you let him in. This means hiding teddies, laundry, and pictures of ex-boyfriends. Seeing someone's dirty laundry or framed photos of an ex isn’t exactly arousing! It's all part of the etiquette when men in home are present.

5. Lights out

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He came home with you, so he thinks you are gorgeous and wants to enjoy your company. Don’t turn the lights out, and don’t get undressed in the dark. Be confident and enjoy yourself! If you're feeling nervous, remember the preparation you did in point #{2}.

6. But Be Careful...

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That said, men can get intimidated too. Excessive poses or over-the-top setups probably isn’t going to have the desired effect on a first date and might even send him running from your house. Maintaining a bit of mystery is always a good idea.

Essential Items to Have Ready

7. Toothbrush

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Don’t offer him your spare toothbrush; you might give the impression you’re a bit too prepared for guests. Unless things are already serious, he’ll be fine with his finger and some toothpaste or just some mouthwash. Safety is also paramount, so always let a friend know your plans; organizations like RAINN offer great resources on dating safety.

8. PJ's

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Save your cutesy PJ's for tomorrow night and sleep in his shirt instead. You’ll be sexy, dignified, and warm, and you'll avoid the morning rush-for-clothes. It's a classic move that never fails to impress.

9. Morning Kisses

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In the movies, it always looks romantic, but in real life, morning kisses often result in a shocking mix of morning breath! Especially if he didn’t brush his teeth. Leave the kissing for after the freshen-up to keep the romance alive.

10. Fry up

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You’ll show yourself off as perfect girlfriend material if you make him a fry-up in the morning. While you’re cooking, he can freshen up and you can consider if the night was worth it. Win-win! You can follow a classic Full English Breakfast recipe to really impress him. This is one of the classic 10 rules for men to feel welcome in your home.

Following these rules has really helped my friends avoid embarrassing situations and even helped some turn a casual evening into a serious relationship. I must admit though, I will miss hearing her hilarious stories about taking men home. Do you have a personal rule for bringing men home? Please share it with me!