by April May Maple

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: October 08, 2009

The dreaded first date... it can open the door to a wonderful relationship with plenty of future opportunities but it can also crash down around you faster than you realize. Not to get you nervous but there should be a flashing yellow sign that says proceed with caution.

Be cautious with your conversation. There are some topics to just avoid, like your exes. If you are on a first date, she does not need the complete 411 on all your past relationships and their flaws. You should be focusing on the present, not the past. Unless she asks, keep the ex's conversation for a later day.

Do not lie! It may seem like it is working but sooner or later the lies will catch up to you. Your date wants to get to know you. She is already interested, so there is no need to fabricate information to draw her in. On a first date, honesty is the best policy. The exception would be if she asks how she looks, even if her outfit is completely hideous tell her she looks nice.

Avoid questions like "is everything okay," "what are you thinking about" and others that show a lack in confidence. Confidence is the sexiest thing a man can have.

Give your date a chance to talk. Yes, she is interested in you and will want to hear about you but show the same courtesy and ask questions about her and give her the chance to answer.

Don't complain. No one wants to spend an evening listening to how horrible your life is. If your life is so bad that you complain the entire night, why would your date be interested in becoming a part of it? Keep conversation light and positive.

There is this horrible rumor going around that chivalry is dead. It may be old fashioned and archaic but nothing makes a first date in a woman's mind like a few simple chivalrous gestures. Get the door for her, every door. If it is cold, offer her a jacket. These simple gestures work wonders.

Don't hit on your waitress or another woman. The only thing worse than starring at your dates breasts is getting caught starring at the waitress'. On a first date you should keep your eyes on your date's eyes.

Preparation for a first date on a woman's behalf begins the moment she accepts. From that point on, she is deciding what to wear, how to style her hair and a million other things that men do not notice. Chances are, she has tried on a million outfits with her best friends just to get the ensemble that you see before you. While no one expects you to go through such lengths, do make an effort to look nice. Choose a nice button down or polo shirt with a pair of dresser jeans or khakis and tuck your shirt in. The smallest attention to detail can polish your look.

Be on time and then after that ignore time. Glancing at your watch every 5 minutes tells your date you aren't enjoying yourself and are waiting to get out of there.

Ignore your cell. Don't be texting or receiving phone calls through out your date, if at all possible keep it on silence.

Don't show up drunk and don't be downing alcohol all night. Have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner, but don't overdo it.

As you can see there are many dumb things that you can do on a date. Don't let that put you off. The most important things are what smart things you can do on a date. Namely, this includes being yourself, having fun, and respectfully enjoying yourself.

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