Things to do and not to do on your first date

A first date is all about first impressions and naturally, you want to make a good one. With all the pressure and nervousness we feel before a first date, it is not always easy to realize whether the things we do on a first date will leave a good or bad impression. Here are a few pointers so that you do not give any false impressions about yourself. Whether the date works out or not, you should always be remembered as the person who was comfortable and fun to spend some time with.

Do:

1. Make Eye Contact - Making eye contact on a date is very important. It makes the other person feel important and that you are actually interested and paying attention to what he or she is saying. If a guy cant look me in the eyes when I’m talking to him, he usually doesn’t get a second date. To me, that means they have something to hide or some real low self-esteem. I've had to deal with that before. I love a man with self confidence and a plan, otherwise, no thanks.

2. Give Compliments - Be sure to give your date a nice compliment- whether it's on their hair, clothes, smile or whatever you personally notice. Giving compliments will show your date that you cared enough to take the time to observe the efforts they made in putting themselves together. I believe in the rule that if you have nothing nice to say, keep your opinions to yourself. Try to find something positive….even if he is a dork.

3. Laugh at His Jokes - Whether you truly think your date’s jokes and sense of humor is actually funny, it is always polite to give a laugh. To laugh at his jokes and humor will show the appreciation you have for the efforts they made to make the date interesting. So give him a laugh, without being over the top or making it look fake or forced. I can spot a phony laugh a mile away, he probably will too.

4. Give a Confirmation Call - Giving a quick call to confirm your date will make you both feel relaxed and peaceful. It will prevent any misunderstandings or miscommunications and will also relieve any worries about you or date being stood up. Plus, it also shows how much you are actually looking forward to meeting your date!

Don’t:

1. Talk on the Phone - Nothing is ruder than talking on your cell phone during your date, or checking messaged constantly while on a date. It expresses only rudeness, but that you may also be bored and uninterested in your date, making him feel insecure and upset. So wait until the end of your date to check messages and if you must keep your cell-phone on and answer it, then keep your talk short and let the caller know that you are busy and will get back to them later. I usually only take calls from my kids, because with teenagers, you just never know.

2. Be Late - Being late for a date is more than just being late. It gives the impression that you do not respect your date’s time and that you are also someone that cannot be relied on. Show your date that you value time and are responsible by showing up on time. If a guy is late to pick me up without a reasonable excuse, that will be his first and last date.

3. Talk too Closely - Do not make your date uncomfortable by getting too close to them when you talk. People need to feel like they still have their own personal space and if they suddenly feel suffocated, then they will close up and you will not be able to learn as much about them as you would like. If someone is in MY space, I have a hard time concentrating. There is no need to get too close unless you are invited in to their space…but that usually doesn’t happen on the first date.

4. Be too Aggressive or Direct -There is a difference being flirty and being too aggressive. There is also a difference between asking questions to get to know your date better and just being too direct. If you like your date, feel to flirt and have fun, but do not be too touchy feely and do not get too sexy with your talk. You do not really know how your date feels at this point and perhaps he is not ready or comfortable getting that far yet. Keep your flirting simple and set limits. You can ask questions to your date about their work, hobbies and so on, but do not be too direct and forward with your questions either. For example, do not straight ask their yearly income, marriage plans and so on. Remember, this is a first date- do not scare your date away with a “too much too soon” impression.