Whether you are looking for a date for the weekend or a lifetime companionship, one thing you don’t want to see at the end of the night is a date gone wrong.  Sure you connected at the fundraising event but can you be compatible having conversations at dinner on your first official date?  We can’t always read each other’s mind but we can be opened minded to one another.  Here are some tips; the rest is up to you.

Courtesy; arrive to your destination on time.  If you are going to be late, pick up the phone and call.  Estimate your time of arrival with traffic and time to find parking.  It doesn’t hurt to be early. Your cell phone should either be on vibrate or silent.  One other thing that I always see on both men and women (mostly men) are the Bluetooth earpiece.  It is a big time turn off.

Dress Code; after you set a date, make sure you find out the dress code to where you are going.  There are places that will not allow white tennis shoes, baseball caps, baggy jeans or any logo tees.  Why is this important?  It is to prevent both parties from an awkward situations such as, “I feel underdressed/overdressed” or “They are not going to let me in with these white tennis shoes”, this will prevent you from finding other place to go, it’ll save time and your date will appreciate it.

Conversations; at dinner, you’d want to keep a conversation going.  Keep the subject to a general topic but keep it fun and exciting.  Ask questions or make a statement.  If your date is only answering questions-that’s a bad sign.  Talking is a two way street. You shouldn’t have to do all the talking.  Avoid talking about your problems.  Find out about your dates job, hobbies, goals, etc.

Chemistry; when you look at her/him talking to you, do you see those eyes staring at you?  Eye contact is very important.  It is also important to smile and show your expression of interest.  If he/she is not looking at you, he/she is distracted by someone or something.

Sense of Humor;is your date making you laugh?  Are you making him laugh?  Laughing is a sign of having fun and that you are enjoying your night.  Entertain your date but don’t crack every joke you’ve heard.

Small Talk; if you must have a conversation with your waiter/waitress, focus on small talks about the menu or the restaurant.  I was on a date with a man who constantly kept complimenting the waitress about how hot she is.  I’m not a jealous person but if you’re on a date with me, you should focus on me.  You’re not on a date to pick up other dates.  Unfortunately, there are people who do that.

Body Talk; flirt a little bit with your body.  Send him/her a signal.  If you don’t get a respond, then your date may not be ready just yet.  It doesn’t mean that he/she doesn’t like you.  It’s all a matter of timing.

Compliments; I love compliments but in moderation.  Three compliments every 5 minutes?  It’s overwhelming.  This is one of the subjects I’ve asked my girl friends about.  It’s not that we don’t appreciate it, it just sounds like a broken record and that you are trying too hard and that you are desperate.  This may lead to obsession.

Ending the Date; depending on how great that date is, use your judgment on how you would say “Good night”. A hug and a kiss on the cheek are appropriate on a good date.  Locking lips is a great sign; maybe you don’t want to say good night.

The 3 Day Rule; write that down on a piece of paper.  Rip it up and toss it in the trash can.  There is no such thing as a 3 day rule.  You can call him/her anytime. If you don’t hear from him/her, don’t make an attempt to have another date.  He/She is not interested in you if he/she can’t even pick up the phone to call to say hi.  If that person is interested in you-you will definitely get a phone call within a few days.  Like I said earlier; it’s a two way street.  Don’t assume he/she has to call you first.  Some people are not good at confrontations so they just leave it, assuming you will take a hint.