I
don't know about you but I've had a few disastrous dates over
the years which is why I decided to write this simple list
of do's and don'ts I've discovered over the years. This is
not a definitive guide but following these simple rules are
more likely to see you on a second or third date than not
following them.
Rule
1: Be On Time
While this might sound obvious, I've had a few dates in the
past that have turned up late and worse than that they haven't
even given me a good explanation as to why or called to let
me know they were on their way. There is nothing worse than
sitting outside a movie theater or restaurant alone, especially
if you're female.
Allocate
enough time when you leave for your date and make a good impression
from the start. If you are going to be late due to traffic let
you're date know if possible.
Rule
2: Honesty Pays.
Honesty is a good way to start a possible relationship so don't
lie to your date. If you really are a brain surgeon or astronaut
then great, if not then don't tell them you are. Think about
it, if you lie on your first date, and you do connect again,
you'll need to remember those lies in a weeks time, then 12
weeks later, can you really keep that up and your lies straight.
Eventually they will catch up with you and it's far better to
start on a truthful footing.
That's
not to say that omitting some information is bad, but if your
date asks you something point blank then for your own sakes
as well as theirs tell the truth.
Rule
3: Make An Effort
This might sound obvious but taking a little time to have a
bath/shower, can go a long way to saying something about you
as a person to you're date. Take the time to prepare for this
date, it's important to remember that first impressions do count
here.
Rule
4: Don't Drink and Date
I'm not saying you shouldn't drink on a date here, what I am
saying is moderation is everything. A good rule to follow is
limit yourself to one drink an hour, if you really must drink
at all. There is nothing less attractive than a date that over
the course of the night ends up drunker than a skunk, reeks
of booze and can't even drive you home!
Even
worse is someone who turns up on a date drunk in the first place.
Watching your partner for the night staggering down the road
towards you, doesn't inspire anyone with confidence and first
impressions do count!
Rule
5: Do Not Talk About Your Ex!
Talking about your ex all night is a definite turn off for most
people when it comes to dating. So okay you still hold a torch
for him or her but think about it. If your date did this to
you how would you feel?
Rule
6: I want to have your children!
I'd rather go on a date with an axe murderer than someone who
declares their undying love for me 10 minutes into a date and
is prepared to set a wedding date that night. I'm not alone
in this thinking either according to surveys.
Most
of us are looking for longer term relationships when we first
date but there is nothing quite as disconcerting as a date who
talks about nothing but settling down and marriage on a first
date. I want to get to know you a little better, even if I think
you could just be Mr/Mrs Right, let's just see how it goes okay?
Rule
7:Turn Your Cell Phone Off!
This might sound obvious but there is nothing more annoying
than trying to talk to someone with a cell phone that's ringing.
Voice messaging was invented for a reason, use it! If the call
was that important the person will always leave a message so
you really have no excuse here.
Rule
8: Pay Attention
Listen to what you're date is saying when they talk. Make them
feel like the center of attention. This is closely linked to
body language but think about how you would feel if your date
spent all night constantly looking out the window and paid you
very little attention. You've spent the time getting to know
this person well enough to ask for their time don;t you think
that time deserves your full attention now?
Rule
9: Play it cool
Unless you're looking for nothing more than a one-night stand,
keep the sexual comments and actions down to a minimum. When
you're first getting to know someone for the first time, try
and keep conversations and activities on a platonic level. This
is you're chance to impress them with your honesty not be all
over them sexually like a bad rash -) )
Rule
10: Don't Bitch and Moan!
Don;t whine about everything when you're out on a first date.
So you've had a crappy day at work, leave it there and enjoy
the evening with your date. Nothing kills a conversation or
mood quicker than your date continually whining about everything
and yes I've experienced a few of these myself and they are
so not fun!
Keeping
things light and happy is far more likely to get you a second
date should you want one
