Action Sammy’s Dating Tips: Do’s and Don’ts of The First Date

Much has been written on the first date, perhaps because there is no real measure to how important it is to present oneself in that most delicate situation. Just like the all-important first impression, how you project yourself on the first date is how the other person will judge you. The first date will determine whether or not there will be a relationship. If you goof up the first date there likely won’t be a second.

Knowing how to conduct oneself is very important in impressing your date. But it is also important to avoid trying too hard to impress your date. It’s important to try to project yourself as a good person while avoid giving the impression that you’re a perfectionist. Being too perfect can be as much of a turn-off as being a slouch. The first date can be tricky; it is easy to do too much or too less. The following are some tips you can take to increase your chances of success.

These are some top “Do’s”:

• Plan the evening ahead. Know what you’re doing before the moment.
• Remain calm. Your date is just a person. Just relax and show him/her the real you.
• Be on time, even if it means showing up an hour early.
• Listen to your date attentively and with interest. Ask questions.
• Dress for the occasion.
• Call or text your date if you’re going to be a few minutes late.
• Tell interesting and funny stories but go light on jokes.
• CALL – do NOT email or text – if you have to cancel.
• Talk about your job, goals, achievements and ambitions.
• Turn you cell phone on silent mode.
• Practice good table manners.
• Look your date in the eye but don’t stare.

Here are some major “Don’t’s”:

• Wear too much make-up or perfume or cologne.
• Laugh excessively.
• Constantly shove food in your mouth.
• Spend more than three minutes on the phone if it’s a call you absolutely must answer or make.
• Constantly interrupt your date while he/she is talking.
• Prod him/her into spilling explicit details on why their previous relationship or marriage ended.
• Bring up topics which you know for sure your date isn’t going to like.
• Talk too much about family and friends.
• Flirt with the waiter/waitress/attendant.
• Brag about your accomplishments.
• Bring up topics that usually cause debates.
• Try to kiss your date unless you’re absolutely sure he/she won’t mind.
• Tell any lies, even “white” lies.

ActionSammy,

(Feel free to comment, question or criticize me at actionsammy@yahoo.com. And be sure to look for my upcoming first book, First Degree Lust, an action/romance/mystery/thriller, in Spring 2010.)