Dos

Be yourself.
Okay, you set up this opportunity, so YOU should bring YOURSELF to this date too! No need to pretend to be someone else on this date. Remember, this person is here because they think that you are fab.

Need a little help getting that first date off the ground? Pair your date with some great food and wine! It gives you a chance to talk about something that you like and your likes and tastes are personal to you. So, your date gets a chance to see who you are. Look into my glass and glimpse into my soul! Man, that's deep, but it is true, and delicious.

Have fun.
Tear jerkers and symposiums on Global Warming may not be the best options for an early date. The best way to experience happiness is to be happy. No kidding. It is that simple. So allow yourself to have a good giggle and you will be irresistible.

You are your most likeable self when you are having a good time. So loosen up and let go. Allow yourself to go along for the joyride that could turn into falling in love. And while you're at it, stimulate as many of the senses as you can with a fun activity to get that spark a-sparkin'. Music is an instant way to add energy, be it Big Band or Bossa Nova or Beyonce, and could lead to dancing or who knows what? Things that smell good, sound good, look good, feel good, taste good all allow you to see what it's like to be good together.

Relax.
This whole process is meant be pleasureful not painful. The secret to relaxing is simple too. Lower the lighting, light a candle and pour yourself a glass of wine. Oh, and don't forget to breathe and remember how loveable you are.

Personal Hygiene
So basic! But I've been there people. I am not sure why, but some folks have a hard time understanding that arriving in a choking cloud of Ode de Celebrity is just as bad as arriving in hurricane of halitosis! But I am here to help.

Shower, primp! And know when to stop!

Let it out and Listen
Talk about yourself. Go ahead. Talk about your life, your passions, your interests, your travels. You will engage with your date and it's the best way to make a connection. The whole purpose of dating is to get to know someone better.

Take the other person in; almost like a fine wine. What nuances are present? Are they robust? Spicy? Effervescent? Listening and absorbing who your date is becomes a great gift to both of you. That is how bonds are forged. Be interested, that's interesting.

Don'ts

Timing is everything - Don't get a late slip

Be on time, of course. It matters. If something unforeseen happens, call and explain. There is nothing worse than being really excited about spending time with someone new and feeling like they might not show. Everyone has been stood up and it doesn't feel good! So don't leave any room for concern that you might be a no-show. Not the way to start a great date.

The early bird gets a bad date
If you are picking someone up, don't be early. No one wants to feel behind the eight ball in terms of getting prepped. If you spring yourself on someone in the last stages of mascara application or shirt choosing, it can initiate an awkward tone that can be tough to thwart.

Don't be a cruise director
Try not to over-plan. Leave room for spontaneity! It's sexy.

Don't over-do it. Or be too controlling. Of course you want to make it special, but don't try to do everything in one date. Leave some space for the mojo to tell you what to do next. Leave something for the next date.

What makes a good date anyways?
We polled the nation's singles and here's what they said:

  • Good conversation, good company
  • Good food and wine
  • Nice atmosphere
  • Good manners, politeness, courteousness
  • Having fun, laughing
  • Compatibility, chemistry
  • Sense of humor
  • Dinner and a movie
  • No awkwardness

And the dreaded bad date?

  • Bad conversation
  • Bad atmosphere
  • No connection
  • Awkwardness
  • Nervousness
  • Being with someone who is rude, pushy or self-centered
  • Having nothing in common to talk about
  • Talking about past relationships
  • Cheap dates

Good First Impressions
There are a few things a date really doesn't want to find in your home the first time he or she comes over:

  • Framed photos of you and your ex
  • Dirty dishes
  • "Red mood lighting"
  • Empty bottle of wine and glasses from last night's date
  • A restraining order
  • A library of self-help books
  • Nail clippings
  • Any scary looking medicines (Foot fungus isn't sexy)
  • A hidden video camera pointed at the bed
  • Your parents
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