On the Date
Before lurching onto the dating scene, take a few tips from the web
February 14, 2003
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 Making a good first impression
is crucial, so while you're at it,
brush up on the rest of your first-
date behavior |
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| MADELINE POLSS / ENVISION |
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Now on to the anxiety-provoking moment: the date. It's normal to have lots of questions: What will he be like? Will she be cute? Should I mention my tattoo? There's a bounty of helpful sites to guide you through the often torturous dating ritual. We've mentioned a sampling of some of the more helpful ones.
But first things first, the greeting. Flowers on a first date? Survey says ...
maybe. Most women are going to appreciate the gesture, but might also be a bit overwhelmed. A flower or two might be nice. Don't believe everything
you see on Blind Date, where the man arrives at her place with an FTD
truck behind him. (And 99% of dates don't end up in hot tubs, either.)
iVillage provides ladies with a host of first date do's and don'ts, mostly common-sense stuff like being yourself and listening to your date. If things are
going bad and you need a quick out, however, these 10 conversation topics for your first date with Mr.
Wrong are pure buzzkill. The story about how your ex left you at the
altar will have him bolting for the door in no time.
By now you should know what not to talk about: hot-button issues
like money, religion, politics and why MTV doesn't show videos anymore. Keep
in your pocket some suggested questions for keeping the conversation going.
Safe subjects include pop culture favorites, interesting reads and nearby
attractions. Notice that the word "Lewinsky" is nowhere to be found.
If you haven't dined outside a Taco Bell in awhile, it's also not a bad idea
to brush up on your table manners. A quick review of
appropriate guide to restaurant tipping could go a long way in ensuring
that your date doesn't stiff you for cheapskating the staff.
You definitely don't want to be pulling out a handheld, but if you've got
one stowed in a jacket pocket, load it up with Vindigo software, a valuable
locator for restaurants, bars, shops and more in your area. Perfect for
spontaneous changes in plans.
Finally, the most common advice on ending the date is to leave the partner
wanting more. Voilà, instant second date. And so on. And so on.
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