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You have taken the plunge.

Regardless of social norms, traditional relationships, and modern stereotypes, you, woman, have done the most courageous and nerve-wracking thing any modern-day woman can do.

You have asked a man out on a date.

And in this modern day, fast paced world of work, business, and on-line dating who could really do otherwise? You are a modern, independent, sexy, and accomplished woman, and you should enjoy the fruits of your labor.

But now to business. You have taken the first and most difficult step already; Prince Charming is ready to pick you up for the ball. Now it's your turn to make this date the greatest of your life.

First, plan ahead. Now is not the time to be fashionably late. Make sure your hair, nails, make-up, and everything else is done and that you are ready to go at the agreed upon hour. Nothing bothers a man more than having to wait for you to finish putting on mascara when he already things you look spectacular.

Next, plan the date. Even though you have done the asking, the burden of this date does note rest solely upon your shoulders. On top of that, men like to have input on where they go, what they do, and when they do it. So make Prince Charming part of the decision process. The clearest sign of a bad date is when one of the party is bored or miserable, so ask him where he likes to eat, what movies he likes, what he likes to do, where he likes to go, and don't be afraid to tell him what YOU like to do, or where YOU like to eat. Plan your date together. It will not only seem like you're more confident and exciting, but it will also make him feel like he is contributing, and it will ensure that you both have a good time.

And now, the most important part of all: the DO's and the DO NOT's. We have all made stupid dating mistakes that we wish we could take back or erase from history all together. This is the time to plan to avoid those mistakes, and since Prince Charming might be your ride home, you don't want him running away for dear life with your pumpkin.

DO ask him about himself. Men, like women, like to talk, and they like to talk about themselves. Ask him about work, his favorite things to do, his likes and dislikes. DO NOT get too personal on the first date. It's probably too soon to be comparing him to your old ex-boyfriends, and talking about them will definitely make him feel uncomfortable, just as you would if he talked about his ex-girlfriends. Keep the conversation light and pleasant, and learn as much as you can about

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