Dating Dos and Don'ts

Dating Dos

Do Be Yourself
When you are on a date, you want to make a great impression -- yet you can be really nervous, so sometimes it might be hard to come across as yourself. It is so important to be honest and just let your true colors shine through. If your date doesn't like you for YOU, then you don't want to date him/her anyway.

Do Be a Good Listener
Seriously, just close your mouth for a couple of minutes and listen to what your date says. Not only will you probably learn something, but your date will be so much more attracted to you. Listening shows your date that you actually care about what he/she has to say.

Do Try and Have Fun
Even though you are nervous it is important to shake your jitters and actually try and have some fun. Obviously you are dating this person for a reason, so enjoy his/her company and whatever activity the two of you decide to do on your date. If you focus on having fun and enjoying spending time with your date, it will go well.

Do Make Eye Contact
This is essential to making sure your date is a success. Making eye contact with your date shows that you are fully there, meaning listening, staying interested and engaged with him/her. Fight the nerves and urge to stare at your feet and look into your date's eyes when the two of you are speaking.

Do Give Compliments
You like this person, so take the opportunity to compliment him/her on their appearance, the information they share with you and anything else that makes sense in the moment. Both guys and girls respond well to compliments because it reinforces that you like them and appreciate them. This is vital to a great date.

Do Laugh at His/Her Jokes
Laughter fights the nerves, breaks the ice and reinforces the relationship between you and your date. If your date makes a joke ... laugh. It's really that simple. You don't want to force laughter, but if you feel it coming on, a giggle goes a long way. There is chemistry in two people laughing in unison.

Dating Don'ts

Don't Pretend to Be Someone You're Not
Be proud of who you are. No one is impressed with someone that lies or has to exaggerate who they are. Be yourself and you will find the right person who likes the real you ... instead of the made up one.

Don't Make a Snap Judgement
Guys and girls both get nervous on dates, so try not to make snap judgements about his/her character due to some silly comments and nervous actions. Some times when we are nervous we don't always act like ourselves, so give someone a second chance if they didn't completely impress you the first date.

Don't Talk on the Phone
Seriously, this is typically one of the biggest dating pet peeves. Put your phone on vibrate or simply leave it at home when you are on a date. Not only is it annoying, but it makes your date think that you are not taking your time together seriously. You can manage an hour or two without your cell phone blowing up.

Don't Be Late
Nothing says, "I don't take this date or you seriously" like being late. Plan accordingly and BE ON TIME. There is nothing more annoying then leaving your date hanging not knowing if you are standing him/her up or not. If you are running late, then be a decent person and call your date to let him/her know.

Don't Be Too Aggressive or Direct
There is nothing that will make your date run in the opposite direction then you being too aggressive or direct. Don't talk about previous relationships, being in love with the person, controversial issues or anything like that. Just chill out and have a good, light-hearted time with your date.

Don't Leave Him/Her Hangin'
If you like your date and want to see him/her again let them know. When the date comes to an end, you both are unsure about what's next, so take charge and tell him/her that you would like to get together again. And if you say you are going to call ... you BETTER call. There is nothing more frustrating when you like someone and they blow you off.

And don't forget to pick that perfect location for your date from our list of First Date Hot Spots.