Ever noticed how a guy’s appearance seems to completely change once he starts dating? One day, he’s carefree, rocking an untamed beard and a messy hairstyle, and the next, he’s clean-shaven, well-groomed, and looking way too polished.
Why does this transformation happen? Well, the answer is simple—when single, most guys don’t care much about their looks, but when they enter a relationship, suddenly, self-care becomes a priority. Let’s dive into this hilarious shift and break down the ways boys change when they go from single life to dating mode.
1. The Single Life: Carefree and Rugged
Before a guy enters a relationship, personal grooming is often at the bottom of his priority list. When he’s single, there’s no pressure to impress anyone, so he lets his natural state take over.
What Happens When a Guy is Single?
- The Beard Takes Over – Many guys skip shaving for weeks, growing anything from a light stubble to a full-blown caveman beard.
- Messy Hair, Don’t Care – Haircuts? Those are optional. A single guy might go months without trimming his hair, leading to that “I just woke up” look becoming his everyday style.
- Basic Fashion Choices – A single guy’s wardrobe consists of wrinkled t-shirts, faded jeans, and that one hoodie he’s had since high school.
- Skincare? What’s That? – Forget fancy grooming routines. The most skincare a single guy does is splashing water on his face in the morning.
- Minimal Effort in Smelling Good – Deodorant? Sometimes. Cologne? Only for special occasions (which rarely happen).
In short, single guys live life on easy mode, with no pressure to constantly look their best.
2. The Dating Phase: Grooming Overload Begins
Once a guy starts dating, everything changes overnight. Suddenly, self-care becomes a priority, and he transforms into a well-groomed gentleman.
How a Guy Changes When He Starts Dating
- The Beard Disappears – The first thing to go? The rugged, wild beard. He’ll either go for a clean-shaven look or neatly trimmed stubble to impress his girlfriend.
- Haircuts Become a Monthly Ritual – Gone are the days of letting hair grow uncontrollably. Now, he visits the barber regularly to keep his hairstyle fresh.
- Wardrobe Upgrade – His old, baggy t-shirts are replaced with well-fitted shirts, stylish jackets, and trendy sneakers. He suddenly knows what “fashion sense” means.
- Skincare Becomes a Thing – Now, he owns face wash, moisturizer, and maybe even exfoliating scrubs—all because his girlfriend recommended them.
- Cologne and Grooming Essentials – He starts investing in good cologne, deodorants, and even fancy beard oils to keep things fresh.
3. The Psychological Shift – Why Do Boys Change When They Start Dating?
So, why do guys suddenly care so much about their appearance when they start dating? It’s not just about impressing their partner—it’s also about self-confidence and making a good impression.
Why This Transformation Happens:
- First Impressions Matter – In the early stages of dating, guys want to look their best to keep their partner interested and attracted.
- A Girlfriend’s Influence – Let’s be honest—most guys won’t upgrade their grooming routine unless someone encourages them. Girlfriends often introduce better skincare, stylish clothing, and overall self-care tips.
- Boost in Confidence – Looking better makes a guy feel better. When he sees the positive reactions from his partner, he’s more motivated to keep up the effort.
- Fear of Being “That Guy” – Nobody wants to be the scruffy, unkempt boyfriend who looks like he just rolled out of bed. Guys realize that maintaining good grooming habits keeps the relationship fresh and attractive.
4. The Funny Reality – Before vs. After Dating
Let’s compare a guy’s lifestyle before and after he enters a relationship.
| Category | Single Life | Dating Life |
|---|---|---|
| Beard & Hair | Wild, unkempt | Trimmed, stylish |
| Fashion Sense | Basic and lazy | Thoughtful and trendy |
| Skincare Routine | Nonexistent | Uses at least 3 products |
| Cologne & Fragrance | Rarely used | Always smells fresh |
| Gym Routine | “I’ll start next month” | Works out regularly |
| Selfies & Photos | Avoids them | Takes cute couple pictures |
5. When the Relationship Matures – Will He Go Back to Old Habits?
At the beginning of a relationship, effort levels are at their peak. But what happens after months (or years) of dating?
Three Possible Scenarios:
- He Keeps Up the Grooming Routine – Some guys embrace their new self-care habits and continue maintaining their well-groomed look.
- He Relaxes but Stays Presentable – After a while, he might loosen up but still put in effort for special occasions.
- Back to Single Mode – Once he’s comfortable, he stops trying altogether—and the beard, messy hair, and lazy outfits return.
Most long-term relationships find a balance, where a guy maintains some level of effort without going overboard.
6. The Takeaway – Effort Is Key, But Comfort Matters Too
There’s nothing wrong with guys taking a relaxed approach when they’re single. And there’s nothing wrong with stepping up their grooming game when dating. But the key is balance—it’s important to look good and feel good, whether single or in a relationship.
At the end of the day, whether a guy is single or taken, confidence and personality matter most. But let’s be honest—keeping a well-groomed appearance never hurts!
Son Kicks Out 80-Year-Old Mother to Nursing Home, Years Later Doesn’t Find Her There — Story of the Day
When 80-year-old Edith was unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, her son, Henry, placed her in a nursing home. Years later, Henry realized his error when karma caught up with him. He decided to take Edith back in, but when he got to the nursing home, he didn’t find her there.
Henry Griffith was reared by his single mother Edith after his father died when he was just four years old. Henry came into Edith’s life late, and she loved him more than anything else, doing everything she could to make sure he didn’t miss out on anything.
Likewise, Henry was always there for Edith in any way he could, and he adored her as much as she adored him. But things began to fall apart between them when Henry met his “love,” Courtney Jackson, during his university days.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
In the first month of their dating, Courtney convinced Henry to move in with her, so they bought a little condo with their savings from part-time jobs. Then a few years down the line, when they got married, Courtney began to covertly encourage Henry to move in with Edith so they could save money to purchase a larger house later.
When she noticed Henry was a bit hesitant, Courtney persuaded him that it would also be in Edith’s best interest since they would be able to “care” for Edith better if they lived with her. Henry fell for that, and they moved in with Edith shortly after.
Three years later, when they welcomed a baby boy (who they named Liam), Courtney pushed all household chores onto Edith, claiming she was a new mother and didn’t have enough time for housework. She also used Edith as a babysitter when Henry wasn’t home and she went out with her friends.
Edith didn’t like how Courtney treated her, and she complained to Henry about it one day, but Courtney made everything about herself, and Edith had to apologize to her.
Years later, when Liam grew up, there was no need to babysit him, and therefore there was no need for Courtney to have Edith in the house.
As a result, she began inciting Henry against Edith, often exaggerating how Edith was handicapped and never helped her in household chores or how she smelled bad and couldn’t do anything on her own due to being confined in a wheelchair. She hinted that Edith was better off in a nursing home.
At first, Henry was opposed to the idea. He would never leave his mother in a facility such as a nursing home. Quarrels erupted between him and Courtney as a result, and while Edith was disappointed to learn she was the root of their dispute, she was relieved Henry adored her so much to let her go.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
But a year later, when Courtney became pregnant for the second time, she finally got her chance to kick Edith out of the house.
Courtney was heavily pregnant when it all happened, and she fell ill one day. It was her fault that she didn’t take care of herself, yet she blamed everything on Edith.
“Henry,” she said. “I know you love your mother, but the worst could have happened today. It’s good that the doctor gave me some medications. I’ll be well, but your mother…she is dangerous to our baby.”
“It was just an allergy, Courtney. You must have taken something by mistake.”
“No, Henry,” Courtney insisted. “I’m sure it was because your mom…well, she made lunch today, and after that, I fell sick.”
“What? Are you serious? But mom doesn’t cook these days! How did she…”
“That’s what I’m trying to say…she…Maybe she did it by mistake, but we need to send her to a nursing home before it’s too late, Henry. She’s becoming a threat. Today she made lunch, and I fell sick after eating it. The next time, her actions may harm our children. We need to think of this seriously!”
Henry couldn’t bring himself to send Edith to a nursing home, but when he considered the safety of his children, his parental instincts took over. He made the decision to send his mother to a nursing home.
“Mom,” he told Edith over dinner that night. “I was thinking that because you’re in a wheelchair and I’m not always there to care for you, a nursing home would be much better for you. There’d be people to look after you there, and yes, I guess that would be great.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“A nursing home?” Edith whispered, teary-eyed. “But Henry, I’m fine here. I don’t need extra care. I can manage on my own.”
“No, mom,” Henry interrupted. “You don’t get it. I have to send you. We have no other choice. That’s the best for me, Courtney, and everyone else. Pack your bags by tomorrow morning. I’ll drop you off before I go to work.”
Edith was frozen stiff, unable to believe Henry was sending her to a nursing facility. She turned at Courtney, who was smiling brightly.
Edith knew she was the cause of Courtney and Henry’s squabbles, but she never anticipated Courtney would mislead Henry in such a way that she’d be kicked out one day. But at this point, even she was tired of proving her innocence every time, so she gave up and agreed to go to the nursing home.
“Can I ask you a favor before I leave, Henry?” she asked, trembling, staring at her hands on her lap.
“Yeah?”
“Will you visit me when I’m there? Not very often, but at least on weekends?”
“Sure, mom,” he said. “No doubts about that!”
“Well, then, thank you,” she muttered as she walked away to her room.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Unfortunately, Henry never visited her. Months passed, and his second child arrived. He became preoccupied with parenting and forgot about his elderly mother until three years later when he decided to pay her a visit and discovered she was no longer living at the nursing home.
Henry’s life had taken a turn for the worst in these three years. He caught Courtney cheating on him with his best friend, and when he confronted her, she blatantly acknowledged it. And if that wasn’t enough, she’d transferred all of his assets to her name and evicted him from his house. But that wasn’t all.
Courtney incited Liam against Henry to the point where he hated him. Once, Liam told him he didn’t want him around him. At that point, Henry remembered Edith and how he’d kicked her out.
Having realized his dreadful mistake, Henry wanted to apologize to her and bring her back. However, when he arrived at the nursing home, he did not find her there. He inquired about her at the reception desk, and it was then that he discovered something shocking. “She left here two years ago,” the receptionist remarked after looking over Edith’s file.
“What? But where has she gone? I’m her only living relative,” Henry complained, desperate for answers.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The receptionist sighed and placed a piece of paper on the table. “Go to this address,” she instructed. “She left after marrying our old janitor, David. Why wouldn’t she, after all? She frequently complained that her son didn’t care about her at all. David treated her as if she were a member of his family. They were madly in love. They deserved to be with each other.”
Henry couldn’t believe his ears. His mother was completely alone and depressed because of him! He wanted to make amends with her, so he went to the address on the note.
A few hours later, he came to a halt in front of a run-down cottage near a tiny farm. He sighed and knocked, and Edith answered. She was still in a wheelchair, but she looked way happier and healthier than before.
“Henry? Oh, my boy! How did you?….”
Henry felt so embarrassed that he couldn’t look her in the eyes. He bowed his head in shame.
“I’m sorry, mom,” he murmured, wiping away his tears. “I apologize for all I’ve done up to this point. I pushed you away to a nursing home, and now that I’ve lost my children to Courtney after she divorced me and kicked me out, I understand how you must have felt. I only get to see my children on occasion, mom, and I know how much it hurts. Please forgive me if possible.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Jesus!” gasped Edith. “Henry, when did all of this happen?”
“It’s been three years, mom. But I don’t blame anyone. I – I deserve this!”
“No, Henry, you don’t!” she said, and Henry looked at her, stunned. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, Henry. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is ridiculous! Wise people move on, as I did. I forgave you long ago. Come here…” She embraced him and patted him on the back. “What you did was bad, extremely wrong, but you realized it, and you want to correct your mistake. People who want to mend their ways should be forgiven. So stop blaming yourself.”
“You’re not angry at me?” he asked, sobbing. “Oh! Thank you, mom. I am so glad you’re happy with David. I found out at the nursing home. I am so happy for you!”
“Oh, I love you, Henry. I am so happy to have you back. David would love to meet you!”
Later that day, Henry met David, and he thanked him for looking after his mother all this time. He also bought a house close to David and Edith’s home so he wouldn’t be too far away from her ever again.
A month later, Henry surprised David and Edith with a destination wedding for them in Miami with his savings. The elderly couple got married in a beautiful ceremony. It was there that Henry met Clara, the woman who not only accepted him but also David and Edith, and they all moved in together like a happy family.
What can we learn from this story?
- A mother’s love has no bounds. Despite Henry’s harsh behavior, Edith forgave him.
- You can’t avoid karma. Henry kicked Edith out at one time and eventually lost his children, home, and everything.
- Never trust others’ opinions on someone. Henry would not have suffered so much if he had not trusted Courtney when she called Edith “dangerous” to his family.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who lies on the couch all day long and mocks his wife for the mess in their house until their mute son interferes.
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