Dating is already complicated enough.

Now apparently, we have to worry about funky men showing up for dates on purpose.

A bizarre trend making the rounds on social media is being called “pheromone-maxxing.”

The idea? Skip the shower. Skip the deodorant. Let your natural scent do the flirting.

Because apparently, smelling like a locker room is now part of the dating strategy.

Some guys are reportedly taking it even further by wearing unwashed shirts and trying other questionable methods to increase their so-called “natural musk.”

The theory is that by maximizing your natural scent, you can become “biologically irresistible.”

There's just one tiny problem.

The science isn't exactly standing in line to endorse this.

Research into human pheromones and whether they actually make us irresistible to potential partners remains inconclusive.

But honestly, you don't need a laboratory to test this theory.

Just walk into a crowded restaurant smelling like you've been trapped in a gym bag for three days and see how many people suddenly become interested in sitting somewhere else.

There IS evidence that humans can be influenced by natural scents, and some people genuinely don't mind a little body odor.

But there's a big difference between having a natural scent and deliberately marinating yourself in it.

And let's remember the most important person on the date:

The other people sitting nearby.

So guys, if you're heading out on a first date, here's our advice:

Shower.

Use deodorant.

Put on a clean shirt.

And let your personality do the heavy lifting.

Because if your dating strategy requires someone to hold their breath...

you may have maxxed out the wrong thing.