How to Know First Date Manners

First impressions are everything, especially in the dating world. Spaghetti sauce on your chin can be a real turnoff. If all goes well, first dates lead to second dates, so brush up on your manners and romance with this first date directory.

Instructions

1. Be on time. Impress your guest with punctuality. Being late will make you flustered and your date annoyed.

2. Make an effort to follow some sort of dress code. It's not the prom, but a well-mannered date puts at least five minutes of thought into his or her outfit. Show up in jeans and an old t-shirt and your date might assume you don't care about the event.

3. Ask questions. Everyone wants dirt on the first date. However, a conscientious date will ask questions of the other person because it's simply good manners to keep the dialogue about them, not about you. Don't ask questions that pry; ask questions that show you are genuinely interested in your date.

4. Listen. If you do nothing else, listen to what your date has to say. The easiest way to demonstrate good manners is to listen and maintain eye contact. People (women in particular) are especially turned off by a date who is easily distracted.

5. Keep the conversation uplifting. Being a Debbie Downer or a Negative Ned during the first date is just plain bad manners. Not only is this poor etiquette, but unfortunately, you'll scare your date off with your down-in-the-dumps attitude about life.

6. Follow up. A first date isn't over when you take the person home. The best manners are demonstrated when you follow up with your date, even if you had a horrible time. You never know...you could end up being great friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider planning a first date at a public place. Unless you are already friends, first dates can make people uneasy since they don't know the other person very well. A restaurant or movie theater allows you to be surrounded by people.

• In a group setting, introduce your date to everyone and actively include her in the conversation.