Ten Tips for a Successful Date

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Just for the sake of argument, let’s define a successful date by one that has left you smiling and anticipating a second one. In the general scheme of things, a first date is the job interview, the second date is the training period and the third date? Well that means that you have got the job!

So, how do you make sure that you get that second date?

1. Perfect planning of the first date. There is nothing worse than going out on a first date with someone that did not put any effort at all into the evening. Know that you are taking out a vegetarian? Then do not pull up in front of the local steakhouse and expect her to be a happy customer. Find out a few things about your date and then show that you care by honoring them.

2. Pay attention to your personal hygiene. Nothing says “I simply do not care” more loudly than bad breath or body odor. If you like someone well enough to ask them out on a date, then you should like they well enough to at least shower and brush your teeth before you show up. On a related note, if you make flowers wilt and your eyes water on the drive over, then you have gone overboard with the aftershave.

3. Dress for success. If you know that you are heading to dinner and a film, then dress accordingly. Don’t show up to a nice place in a tee shirt and tatty jeans and expect to be thought of highly. If your date shows up in a nice dress and heels, you will know right away that you might be in some trouble.

4. Now this one wont always work. It’s very much dependent on how arrangements have gone and how well you know her. Once option is to take something on the first date. A tasteful bouquet is always a nice touch, but some people think it is hopelessly old fashioned. There is a reason some things endure though; they (can) work! A small box of chocolate is a good choice as well, and if it’s the good stuff, you might be forgiven any social blunder.

5. Mind your manners. No one expects you to be a social expert, but basic courtesy is always in your best interest. Hold doors open, don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t hip check your date out on the way into the movies. And do not, I repeat, do not belch just before leaning in for a kiss!

6. Pay attention. If your date is talking about something boring, try not to let your mind wander too far away. As soon as a man looks up with that deer in the headlights look, they know that you have not been listening. Remember, women pick up on the smallest detail!

7. Make eye contact. This is not the same as paying attention, but the two do go hand in hand. I went out with a man one time that did not look up from his plate a single time during the entire meal. He even spoke to our waitress with his head bent over. I could only describe the top of the man’s head. Not a successful date.

8. Be present in the moment. Along with paying attention and making eye contact, you need to connect with your date. Ask and answer questions, let her know a little bit about yourself. Show her that you actually like being there with her.

9. Dont worry about silences. It is a sign of trust that two people can sit together silently and not feel awkward. Sometimes on the best dates, words are not even necessary.

10. Read the signs for that final moment. You probably thought about it all day long: should you try for the kiss or not? Has she reached out to touch you during conversation? Did she grab a mint or gum right after the meal? Is she staring at your mouth? Then kiss her, you clown! Lean in, gently kiss her and let things develop from there. And after you pull back, pray that you have enough sense in your head to actually ask for a second date before you run off into the night.