Setting the Scene for the Perfect Date

Let's assume that everything's gone well so far. You made it through the speed-dating event, you've reached out to an interested partner, and they've called you back. What.s next?

It's time for the first date! For safety's sake, arrange to meet somewhere . you'll feel a lot more secure if you have your own transportation and know you can get out anytime you choose. In all likelihood, your date will be a perfectly normal person . after all, at this point we're assuming you've gotten to know each other a bit already . but it's always better to be on the safe side. Make the meeting place a public location you're both familiar with . a popular coffee shop or restaurant is a good idea. Not only is it safer, you'll both feel more confident in familiar surroundings.

Try to make the first date an opportunity to get to know each other . that means movies are out! Coffee is an excellent option. It's inexpensive, public, and yet somewhat intimate. As an added bonus, a coffee can be a short or all-day affair. If things aren't working, you can easily bring the date to an end because you haven't committed to anything more. If things are going great, coffee can turn into dinner or a walk in the park.

Whatever you decide, there are a few things to remember when you're getting ready for your date:

Getting Dressed to Look Your Best

Here are some tips on making the most of your appearance.

·               Keep breath mints on hand, just in case! If you.re a man and don.t carry a purse, at least chew on a piece of gum before heading out.

·               When getting ready, remember:

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Choose colors and styles that flatter you

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Make sure your clothing fits well. Don.t worry about size . no one can see the tag, but they.ll certainly notice gaping buttons and straining zippers

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Stick with your own style. This isn.t the time to try a new or flamboyant look . you want to be comfortable and look casual.

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Make the most of your appearance! You don.t have to be a supermodel . most people aren.t. But you can work with what you have. Again, this probably isn.t the time for a new and funky haircut, but it might be the time for a quick trim.

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Basic hygiene: brush your teeth, comb your hair, check your clothes for stains. It sounds like obvious advice, but it.s amazingly easy to miss a grease stain on your favourite shirt when you.re feeling nervous to begin with

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Don.t neglect your hands! If you.re the kind of person who writes notes to yourself on your palms, scrub them off! Trim your nails, polish them (if appropriate), and make sure there.s no dirt under your fingernails. Your face might be the first thing your partner sees, but your hands will be a close second

Øspan style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">       Dress appropriately. If you.re going to a coffee shop, don.t show up in an evening gown. On the other hand, your dirty football jersey probably isn.t the best choice for dinner in a sit-down restaurant. Show up clean, well-groomed, and comfortable.

·             Be on time. Make sure you're clear on the meeting place so your partner doesn't have to wait. There's no worse start to a date than ten anxious moments of wondering if you've been stood up.

·             Give your partner a clue as to how to find you. Sure, you've seen each other, but not in person, and they don't want to scan every person in the coffee shop anymore than you do. Keep it casual but specific . for example, .I'll be easy to spot: I have a bright red jacket..

·             Make sure you have a decent amount of money on you. Someone might end up paying for someone else, but assume you'll go dutch. If your partner offers to pay, it's good etiquette to refuse, but don't make a fuss about it: if they're determined, let them do it. If you're really worried about it, pick up the tab yourself at a later date.

·             Give yourself an .out,. just in case things aren't working. One idea might be to have a friend call an hour into the date to check up on you. Then, if things are really terrible, you can make your excuses and leave.

·             Remember the rules of etiquette from your online date! Even if you realize early that things aren't going to work out, give your partner the respect of your full attention. And if it's obvious that your partner is more into you than you are into them, politely but honestly tell them how you feel.