Dos and Don’ts of First Dates

Few things are as awkward in this life as first dates, but they’ve got to happen to get a second one. Here are some of our best tips for making the date enjoyable for both people. Romance not guaranteed. Results may vary.

Don’t be late or make him wait. Young men, if you say you’ll pick her up at 8:00, pick her up at 8:00. Show her that you’re making her a priority. Ladies, if he says he’ll pick you up at 8:00, be ready at 8:00. No one wants to sit awkwardly in your living room with your roommates. Show him some respect and be ready when he comes to the door.

Do Dress to Impress. You don’t have to get completely done up in a suit or dress for your first date, but make it known that you’re making an effort for the date. Wear clean, pressed clothes and don’t hesitate to try out some of your nicer pieces.

Do open doors. This one is clearly for the guys. If this isn’t your style, you don’t have to do it on all of the following dates, but it’s a sign of respect for the lady you’re with. A few doors isn’t going to kill you and I assure you that if you’re looking for a real lady, the best way to find one is to be a gentleman.

Do go somewhere you can talk. Movies are great for date nights, but certainly not a first date. Chose to do something where you’ll get to talk with one another. Wander down a pier. Go bowling or miniature golfing. Don’t go somewhere where talking will be discouraged. Save the Netflix dates for later.

Don’t talk about past relationships. Maybe your heart has been stomped on and drug through the dirts. Your date doesn’t need to hear about this when you’re first getting to know one another. Talking about past relationships will make your partner automatically compare themselves to your past relationships and it will make you appear insecure.

Do eat something. If you go out to have dinner or lunch together, EAT. Don’t try to act like eating is a habit you’re trying to break. While you certainly don’t need to stuff yourself silly, your partner will be much more comfortable if you’re not spending your time poking your food around on your plate.

Don’t drink too much. While alcohol may help to ease the conversation along, it’s never a good idea to have more than 1 or 2 drinks. You still need to be able to make good safe decisions and no one wants to be babysitting a sloshy date.

Do eat somewhere with a variety of foods. A friend of mine was so excited when he scored a date with a girl he’d been crushing on for a while. Much to his dismay he took her to a steak house on their first date where he learned she was a vegetarian. While you’re still getting to know one another try out places that offer a variety of foods. On your date you can discuss culinary tastes and pick a better suited restaurant for your next meal together.

Do plan something. No one wants you to schedule a time to just hang out. Make resevations wherever you go to show that your partner was important enough to think ahead for. Don’t finish dinner and ask what they’d like to do next. Have an agenda.

Don’t text. or email, tweet , or take phone calls unless it is an emergency. Leave your phone in your pocket or purse. Nothing tells your date that they are less important than your friends than setting your phone on the table during your dinner.

Do walk her to the door. Even the best of dates can end on a sour note if you drop her off at the curb. Whether there will be a second date or not you should walk her to the door to bid your farewell.

Do give a follow up call. If you enjoyed your time on the date, call your date and let them know within a few days. If the feeling isn’t mutual you can thank them for the good time that you had and wish them the best. If things went well then you can establish a time to meet up again for a much less stressful second date.