SHARE: Less of you

Facebook is a given. Defining your relationship status - standard. Making announcements about the progression (or regression) of your relationship, engagements and the like -  increasingly the norm.Whether I agree or not (and I don't), these trends Brownie Points P.A cannot argue against.

However, one thing holds true. In the case of brownie points-winning behaviour, the following are serious brownie points detractors: waking up to your iphone's overnight sports scores, mobile phone usage during a meal or posting 'how amazing this is right now'.  Really, it can't be that amazing or a 'power of now' moment if you're posting about it. 

Nor will she appreciate the constant phone checking while on a first date, second date or in-a-steady-relationship-date. Even if it's a grand final re-match. 

For those new to the long-established school of etiquette, if there's a tablecloth, do not place your phone on the table. Refrain from doing so in any case but, at minimum, stick to this. 

Brownie Points P.A memo: Give her the time and your full attention and you'll make sure you get your attention's worth later in the evening.

EAT: Bangin' Berta

Unlike the first or second date where you want to hedge your bets with a few surrounding bars to keep the conversation lubed up post-dinner, Berta is the place to go for that third or fourth date when you know you're on a roll.

Tucked away in Surry Hills, Brownie Points P.A circled it twice without realising. It's discreet and away from the sceney street crowds played out on Crown St. Yet once you push through the glass door and head down the corridor, it's so loud and vibey you'll be wondering how you didn't notice it. If she hasn't heard of it yet, get in quick so you score some brownie points.

Brownie Points PA recommends the fontina and sage balls (aka the 'cheesey poofs' hilariously listed on our bill) and the duck which comes in an amazing broth with large sheets of papardelle. If you're both up for it, there's a $65 bistecca which Berta staff strongly recommend you share. This is mid-tier dining at its best so your bank balance isn't cringing.

We sat by the bar so the the service was excellent, the menu selection simple yet delicious and the wine list, long. All the goods for a banging night out (..or in?)

Brownie Points P.A memo: If you still need a bar to get things going after dinner, head across Goulburn St and up onto Commonwealth and Foster. You've got two choices - cocktails at Longrain or down and dirty beers at the Hollywood.

PLAY: Spring into action

Winter hibernation can be a romance killer. Trackies on the couch and too much takeout can keep any hint of summer sunshine out of the bedroom.

Give her a reason to get dressed up and spoilt and you'll be rewarded with a swag of brownie points. A friend I know recently raved about her Brownie Point seeker's efforts. She assumed it was just another quiet Friday night in after a big week at work. Instead, her Brownie Points seeker had organised a spontaneous tango lesson at a dance studio up the road - perfect timing before their upcoming South American holiday. Kid you not, this is for real and this guy is no pansy. He flies jets for a living and loves his F1.

Get your Brownie Points and her bedroom eyes into action. 

Here are a couple of kickstarters to see you into some long-lasting summer lovin': 

• Massage at home - she doesn't have to worry about rushing through traffic to get pampered
• If she's the active type, take her paddleboarding, kayaking or indoor rockclimbing
• The Back Page picnic - she'll love your romantic suggestion for a picnic in the park, you'll love the quiet time to read the sports news all afternoon
• Just send her flowers - order online, have them delivered. She loves the surprise, you love that it takes 10minutes

Brownie Points P.A memo: Whatever you choose, make sure it's something she enjoys. Not just you. Pulling a Homer Simpson and buying Marge a bowling ball is a massive rookie error. Sounds obvious but this is a common complaint.