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The following is a list of 12 tried-and-true ways to make a great first date experience for both people. 1-K.I.S.S. This acronym translates to "Keep It Simple, Sunshine" (Ok, I substituted the word "sunshine" for the rude word it really uses.) First dates are nerve-wracking events which surely must have been invented by the same person who invented ancient torture devices such as the rack and the iron maiden. To help both parties relax, keep the date plans simple. Keep the dress code casual and keep the setting relaxed. Save "impressive" for a time when you both feel more comfortable with one another. The first date should be fun and relaxing. 2-Just the Facts, Ma'am/Sir. Some people love surprises and some people hate them. Regardless of which type of person your date is, be sure to show them the courtesy of giving them enough information so they may be appropriately prepared for the date. They need to know how to dress, if there is anything they need to do or bring (sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, etc), and how much time will be involved (they may have to arrange for a baby sitter or someone to give medication to a sick pet). 3-Safety First. Respect your date's privacy and safety. Do not take offense at hesitancy to disclose a home address, give a home phone number, reveal a place of employment, or having a desire to meet in a public place rather than being picked up. You may be a perfectly law-abiding citizen with high morals and great character. Your date needs time to learn that about you for their self. 4-Location, Location, Location. "Dinner and a movie" for a first date is not only unimaginative, but it limits opportunities the two of you will have for conversing and truly getting to know one another better. Make date plans which will allow you to interact with one another and converse. 5-Miss Manners Says, ". . ." For goodness sake, mind your manners. Brush up on table manners and general etiquette if you must. No one wants to be embarrassed by a pig in public. Your bodily noises may be entertaining to your friends, but trust me on this: your date will NOT be impressed. Gentlemen: remember to act like a gentleman. Ladies: remember to act like a lady. Etiquette was designed to help everyone know how to handle various situations and how to make everyone feel comfortable. It is a form of common courtesy and a high compliment to show manners to and around your date. A really nice touch is for either or both parties to show up with a small inexpensive gift for their date. Cost is not important: thoughtfulness is key. 6-The Three Magic Words (or phrases). Important enough to merit their own section, the three most important words/phrases you can say on a date are, "Thank You", "Please", and "I am Sorry". Parts of common courtesy as well as the hallmark of a healthy relationship, using these words/phrases wherever appropriate shows you care about your date's feelings and you are a person of honor. Both are attributes worth having. 7-Grease is the Word. Or not. Keep the topics of conversation appropriate. No one wants to hear you bash your ex or regale in the tales of your sexual exploits. Avoid stories which involve blood, internal organs, surgery, bodily functions, gore, etc. also. Best Advice: talk about and show a genuine interest in your date. You can talk about you another time. Don't be secretive or evasive, as they want to get to know about you, as well; but be sure to not to be the main topic of discussion. Let your courteous actions impress. Your bragging won't. 8-We're Number One! Wrong. Your date is number one. Pay attention to them and their comfort. Remember that they are not you. They may have a very different level of stamina, fitness, and temperature tolerances. Make sure also to check on their need for food, drink, and restroom breaks. When inquiring as to these needs, remember to be tactful. Give them opportunities to address their needs, and provide what you can for their comfort. 9-The Fine Print. Oh, the wondrous technicalities of the date. Who pays? Will there be a kiss involved? Who will plan the date? What will we do? Discuss these things with your date in advance. A general rule of thumb is that whoever asks for the date, pays for the date. If it will be otherwise, be sure to specify that to your date. Have a special kissing policy such as no kissing on a first date? Spare your date the anxiety about the kissing scene and tactfully let them know your personal boundary when it comes to kissing on first dates, ahead of time. Generally, whoever asks for the date is responsible to plan it, though requesting input and approval from your date is always a nice touch. 10-You Only Get One Chance at a First Impression. It is an irrevocable law decreed in heaven for all of existence and creation that something will go wrong when you are going on a date you are excited about. Breathe. Whatever blunder you make or whatever bad thing happens to you, laugh it off and relax. If the bad thing happens to your date, help them to relax and be assured all is well. Showing grace under fire is another attribute well worth developing and having. 11-Clear and Present. . .intentions. Make your honest intentions clear. If you want another date, ask for it. If you don't want one, under no circumstances should you ever ask for one or agree to one. That is dishonest and rude. Don't waste their time or your own. If you say you will call them, do so. If you have no intention of calling them, for goodness sake, don't say you will. Again: dishonest and rude. A simple statement such as, "I am sorry. You are a wonderful person but I just don't feel we connect. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Good luck." is sufficient for most people as a reply of non-interest. 12-Follow Up. Make sure to send your date a note, flowers, or give them a short call after the date or the next day to let them know you appreciate their time, and the date. Keep it simple, but be sure to highlight the special things they did for you, and the things you really enjoyed. Even if you will not be seeing them again, it is a nice touch and the positive feedback will be welcomed by them. It may help them to feel less "rejected" as well. Visit http://www.blogpublishingandmarketing.com and http://www.thenewbusinessworld.blogspot.com and http://www.datingdesires.blogspot.com and http://www.fitnessanddietblog.blogspot.com and http://www.marketing-masters.blogspot.com
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