Dating Do's and Don'ts

There are certain guidelines that you need to follow if you want to increase your chances of a successful date. Break these simple rules, and you may have a dating disaster on your hands.

DO ...Be On Time

Never keep your date waiting. Not only is it bad manners, but it will also show you to be unreliable. Nobody likes to sit around wondering if they've been stood up, so make sure you set off for your date in plenty of time.

DO ...Smile

It's simple, effective and costs nothing!

DO ...Make Eye Contact

Simple, effective and very sexy.

DO ...Tell the Truth

First dates are all about getting to know the truth about each other. So don't lie or exaggerate, you'll be found out eventually. One lie will lead to another, then another, and so on and you won't be able to keep track of them all.

DO ...Pay Compliments

A little flattery always goes down well.

DO ...Laugh in the Right Places

It shows that you're listening and amused by what you are hearing. Get it right, and you'll sound endearing - get it wrong and you'll sound like a cackling witch.

DO ... Show that You're Interested

The key factor to any successful date is for you to pay close attention to what your date is telling you. Making your date feel that you are interested in what they have to say will take you a long way. Remember that this isn't a competition, so you don't need to rush to point out all your achievements. Let your date talk, and don't interrupt.

DO ...Repeat their Name At Least Once

It's a sign of potential intimacy and shows that you are listening.

DO ...Keep a Little Mystique

So don't tell them your life story all at once, hold a little something back for the next time you meet.

 

DON'T ...Whinge or Moan

Grumbling about the unbearable heat, loud music or poor service will not make you seem fun.

DON'T ...Talk On Your Mobile

Using a mobile during a date is rude and a major turnoff. You are showing disrespect to your date, and sending them the message that they are not worth your undivided attention.

DON'T ...Look Over Their Shoulder

It will make them feel awkward, dull and uncomfortable.

DON'T ...Talk About Your Ex

No mater how heart-broken you are, remember that your date is not your counsellor - they may end up thinking that you have too much emotional baggage for them to handle.

DON'T ...Talk About the Weather

Unless you're a meteorologist. For everyone else - it's just not sexy.

DON'T ...Interrupt

It shows disinterest and is rude.

DON'T ...Look Bored

Remember to smile!

DON'T ...Get Drunk

Not only is it unappealing, but it's unsafe too. Just don't do it.

DON'T ...Be Rude

This includes dirty rude ...Think about what you are saying. Dry wit can often come over as sarcasm during an early encounter.

DON'T ...Interrogate Your Date

Don't turn the evening into a job interview and embarrass your date by asking hundreds of pointed questions.

DON'T ...Get Their Name Wrong

If you're not sure, don't try to use something you thought you might have heard or remembered.

DON'T ...Discuss Your Matrimonial Plans

Even if you think they're the perfect husband or wife material, don't mention it on the first date. Remember that you have just met this person. Neither of you is ready for this conversation yet.

DON'T ...Tell them Everything

However fascinating you might be, they don't need to know everything about you yet - leave them anxious to learn more.