So I'm at this car event in South Beach last night (for the Ford Flex, great car, full review to come once I finish the test drive), and I'm sitting at dinner with a few other writers and car reps. And as more and more alcohol is poured, the conversation veers from cars to dating and sex. (Thank God for alcohol.)

When they find out I'm "The Bachelor Guy", women always want to give me their dating tips. And tell me where guys go wrong. (Occupational hazard.) Mix me, a liberal amount of alcohol and a couple of uninhibited women, and you've got a recipe for some revealing conversation.

Here's something brought up last night that's worth passing on. Both girls at the table disclosed that one of the main things they are watching right from the beginning of a date is how we drive. Particularly how we handle the shifter and steering wheel. In their minds, how we handle our cars gives them subtle, unconscious hints as to how we'll handle them. And they say, it could be a deal breaker.

1. Don't be a jerk.
Being smooth on the shifter is important. Slamming through the gears (in manual or auto), shows her you're too aggressive, not relaxed. And tells her how you'll treat her knobs. They look for a guy who is light on the shifter. Eases the car into gear. Just like she hopes you do with her.

2. Always be on the move.
According to the ladies, if you drive with one hand on the wheel and one hand in a death grip on the shifter, she's thinking you lack confidence. That you're afraid you'll lose control if you let go of either. Letting that right hand flow between wheel, shifter, her hand - makes her feel comfortable that you're confident in your abilities and you're in control. Not being controlled.

3. Watch the throttle.
Think you're impressing her with how fast you can take the corners? Or how quick you are off the line? Think again. Driving it like you stole it won't make her think you're up there with Junior. It'll tell her you don't give a shit about her safety. And give her an idea of how fast you'll probably make it to the finish line, should she ever let you start her engine. Crawling along like a senior citizen heading home from a long night of bingo won't put you high on her list for a second date either. If you can't handle your car once it gets rolling, how are you gonna handle her?