How to Act On a First Date


You've hit it off with your online dating profile person, and it is time for that first face-to-face.  Make it clear with regard to payment issues before you meet.  General rule is that the person inviting pays.  You might suggest that you would like to buy dinner, that established review your dating manners.

1.  Be on time, good impressions are usually not given a second chance.

2.  Dress nice, take time to look your best. You will feel better about yourself and confidence results.  Ladies,   don't dress provocative.

3.  Turn your cell phone off.  Most of you have them, and taking a call while on a date is rude.  There are emergencies, but this is not the norm.

4. Gentlemen, if there is a door to be opened, please, feel free to do so, let her know you know how to be one.  If you are seated indoors, when she comes in, stand up to greet her.  Perhaps a friendly hug is in order.

5.  Be confident.  The moment you meet, confidence is essential to making a strong impression.    Know what you are going to talk about, ask questions, don't slouch, and express confident body language.

6.  Use table manners.  Watch what you order it is a good idea not to order something messy, your elbows don't belong on the table.  Don't gobble your food, slow down, and close your mouth when you chew, and don't talk with food in your mouth, and don't blow your nose.  You don't want your bad habits to be a deal breaker turn-off.

7.  No heated topics.  There are several, politics, religion (unless this is how you've met), and sex.

8. Be positive.  People are more attracted to someone who is positive than someone who is negative.  Don't be negative about yourself.

9. Listen.  engage in interesting conversations, spend some time asking questions and listening to the response.  Ask followup questions, so they know you were listening and are interested in the topic.

10. Read and express body language.  This is important on a date as it shows whether the date is going well or not.  If your date is sitting with arms crossed, it could be a sign of boredom.  If your date is engaged in  conversation and touches you on the hand or arm while talking, it shows an attraction.

If the date went well, make a second date then and there.  Otherwise you'll play the "dating game" where one sits several days waiting for the other to call.   If you agree that you enjoyed one another, move onward.