First Date Etiquette

From LoveToKnow Dating

Understanding first date etiquette can help you to avoid social missteps that could risk your chances of future dates. First dates are gateways to a social relationship that may grow into a long-term relationship, a solid friendship, or a few great memories.

The Purpose of First Date Etiquette

First date etiquette is more important than you may believe. In a world where text messages, e-mail and cell phones shorten polite greetings to three keystrokes or less, etiquette plays a vital role in successful interactions. Dating does not have hard and fast rules. However, you can use the following tips as a guide to first date etiquette and every date thereafter.

A date isn't a commitment towards marriage.

It's about people coming together to get to know each other and have a good time, so don't pressure your date into talking about the past.

Look presentable.

You should have enough respect for your date to be in clean clothes, smelling nice and have your hair brushed.

Make eye contact.

When you look away or focus on your date's body while talking, you are communicating that you aren't interested in what he or she has to say.

Stay with your date.

If you take your date somewhere, don't abandon he or her. Your date should feel important to you.

Compliment your date.

You and your date are both making an effort, so you should compliment what you like and keep what you don't like to yourself.

Never cancel a first date at the last minute.

If you can't give your date advanced notice, don't cancel, don't stand them up and don't call him or her unless it's an emergency.

Be punctual.

If you say you'll meet someone at 6 P.M., be there at 6 P.M. If you're held up in traffic, call the person as soon as possible, but do your best to plan ahead to avoid mishaps. It's better to be a few minutes early than a few minutes late.

Avoid rudeness and crass behavior.

Be courteous to waiters or waitresses serving you. You can't treat your date like a million bucks and everyone else like dirt under your shoe.

Don't get into arguments with other people.

If you run into someone you don't like, be polite and walk away rather than getting into it with your date standing there.

Listen to your date.

A date is a mutual experience of talking and listening. Don't take up all the time you have together to tell your date your whole life story.

Avoid one-upping your date.

Competitive spirit can be charming, but if you seek to beat your date at everything from sports to funny stories; you're not charming, you're just a bore.

Don't compare your date to others.

Watch this slideshow of things to do on your first date!

Don't compare your date to other people especially any former boyfriends or girlfriends.

Assume you are not having sex.

Assume that sex on a first date is off-limits and relax.

Don't cheat on your current partner.

If you're in a relationship or you're married, you shouldn't be on a date unless it's with your partner or your wife.

A Few Last Tips

Don't discuss past sexual experiences.
Don't promise to call your date especially if you have no plans on doing it.
Don't make up stories to impress him or her.
Be honest.
Have fun.

Think of Your Date

When you’re planning a first date, remember to plan something you will both enjoy. A first date should be a magical time and fun for the both of you. Don’t plan a first date that your date won’t enjoy or feel comfortable.

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