This is a bit extreme.

A Japanese dating agency, Def Anniversary, has come up with some pretty bizarre advice for its clients who are looking for love. They have told them to wear surgical masks when going on dates or taking part in speed dating. The reason for doing so it to make sure their potential partner gets to know their personality properly rather than choosing looks first. According to The Mirror, head of Def Anniversary, Kei Matsumura, said, "In order to achieve marriage, it is important to provide chances to know your partner's personality properly and value in the early stage of the relationship rather than start with their outwardly appearances. "That is why we chose to use surgical masks as an essential tool to do that." One woman, who took this advice, has said that it's boosted her confidence, "People come to this event looking for someone with personality, so from the start I felt confident. Being not judged by my appearance, I think I was able to be more outgoing with women." Another person added, "I think I was able to find out more about their inner selves and not just judge them by their looks. Generally facial feature drives our first impression, but in this event, personality matters. I quite liked that." Surgical masks are often worn in Japan to prevent the spread of germs or infectious diseases so it might not look too out of place for someone to rock up for a date wearing one. Could you imagine doing this in Ireland? Your potential date would run a mile.