by Olha Romaniuk

Created on: March 31, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

The dating world can be a scary place. Finding the right mate is a lengthy process and the rate of success on first dates is not very high. A lot of want to "shop around" in order to make sure they find the right person for them. Chemistry, atmosphere and timing must be right for both parties for dates to be successful. Beyond these three things, it is entirely up to you weather or not you will sink or swim on a date. Here are a few no-no's and a couple of must-do's that will turn you into the coveted Perfect Date.

1. Avoid talking about your ex. Yes, if you date asks you about the last time you were in a relationship, it is up to you to answer, but please, spare your date the painful details of the break-up. Do not, under any circumstances and no matter how sympathetic your date might be, bad-mouth the ex. If you go into a ten minute rant about how much hatred you harbor for "that skank", your date will begin to wonder if that is how you speak of all your exes, or even worse, think that you are still not over your previous relationship.

2.Avoid having one too many. You know how it goes, the conversation is flowing smoothly, you just got paid and the drinks just seem to keep coming. Please, restain yourself. Alcohol loosens lips and before you know it, you are telling your horrifying tales from college when you woke up in a stranger's bed covered in your own vomit. Embarassing stories are never attractive. They can be amusing and even funny after you and your date begin a more serious stage of your relationship. On the first date, however, drinking often comes hand in hand with embarassment and a lot of "I can't believe I said that last night!"s. Or, if I haven't convinced you yet, think about it this way: you don't want your date to think you're an alcoholic, do you?

3. Avoid answering your phone. It is okay if you are expecting a short phone call from your relative. It is not okay to answer your phone and keep talking for a long period of time, leaving your date bored. Try setting up a date on a night when you know you will not be distrubed. Tell your friends that you will tell them the juicy date details AFTER the date is over, not during the date itself. Leave your phone on silent, or in your car to avoid the temptation.

4.Do not badmouth the waiter/bartender/etc during the date. Sure, the potatoes may be a little burned and you may be sitting right next to the restroom door inhaling all the unsavory smells, but try to make the best out of the situation. If

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