First Date Do's & Don'ts

First dates are almost always awkward. However, there are ways to make the night go as smooth as glass. Most of these tips have been written over and over, but for some reason, most guys don't follow them, then wonder why the beautiful girls they take out won't return their calls. Of course each woman is different, but these basic guidelines, if followed, will make just about any woman go out with you again.

1. Don't Drink Too Much Before Picking Up Your Date
   

   Not only should you not drink and drive, but drinking too much before a date will sometimes make you look sloppy and may cause you to inadvertently say things that are inappropriate for a first date. I understand the entire “liquid courage” mentality, which is why it's fine to drink a beer or to do a shot, but any more than that is just asking for trouble. Besides, you don't want a woman thinking that you're an alcoholic.

2. Bring Flowers

   Yes! Women still like flowers, even the ones who say that they don't. Even though you may think that you look silly with a bouquet, you've already scored BIG points. You will come across as sweet and old-fashioned, which is something that most women look for in a man. Each time that I've showed up with flowers it's worked out very well for me.

3. Have a Plan
   

   There is almost nothing that a woman hates more than a man who can't make up his mind. One of the worst things you can do is pick up a date and say the dreaded, “What do you want to do?” Have a plan. Find two or three things that the woman may like to do. If you did your homework before the date, you must have some idea of her interests. If you plan on taking her to dinner, have two or thee restaurants in mind, then make a polite suggestion. Also, if heading to a trendy spot, MAKE RESERVATIONS. You will look organized and prepared, which is another thing that women love.

4. Make Eye Contact

   When speaking with a woman, always look her directly in her eyes. This lets her know that you are interested in what she is saying. Even if what she is saying is the most boring thing that you've ever heard, keep looking directly into those eyes and you'll come across as the most attentive man that they have ever been out with. Another big no-no is eyeing other women while on your date; you may think that she won't notice you checking out the really hot waitress as she walks away, but she will, make no mistake about it. If you want a woman to like you, it's important to make her feel like she is the only woman on earth when she is with you.

5. Pay Her Compliments
   

   Always let a woman know how beautiful she looks. There is certainly a way to do this without being creepy. Use your head.

6. Open Doors
   

   Just like the flowers, it makes a woman feel special, and makes you look like a gentleman.

7. Choose Your Conversation Wisely

   I think it's quite obvious that you shouldn't bring up past relationships, or talk about things that a woman may find disgusting. Also try and avoid “This one time when I was so hammered” stories. Of course there are exceptions, but for the most part, women don't want to hear that on a first date, if ever.

8. Pick Up The Check
   

   I think that it's only fair that a man pay for dinner on a first date. Besides, the man is usually the one to ask the woman out anyhow. No matter how many times the woman tries to take the check from you, take care of it yourself.

9. Walk Them To Their Door

   When the date is over, don't pull up at the curb and drop her off. Walk her to her door and let her know that you want to make sure that she get's inside safe and sound, regardless if her door is two feet from the curb.

10. Learn To Read A Woman's Body Language

    Don't think that it's okay to kiss a woman on a first date unless she shows you that she would like you to. There are many ways to read a woman's body language. I could write pages and pages on this subject, but you're just going to have to use your better judgment. And a kiss does not always happen at the end of a date, either. If you find yourself in that moment, go for it. If a woman gives you a clear signal, and you fail to act upon it, you may find yourself in the “friend zone” because you're not aggressive enough for her. On the other hand, if you go in for an unprompted kiss with a woman who is a bit more conservative, you'll be lucky if you even make it to the “friend zone”. You'll probably come across as creepy.

The most important thing to remember when reading these guidelines is that going on a date should be fun. Otherwise, why would you ask a woman out in the first place? Go out and have a great time, keep your expectations to a minimum (in other words don't go on each date thinking that you're going to find the woman of your dreams), and use your common sense and good judgment.