First date - tips and advice online UK

So you've landed a first date with KiddiKat (24), you've chosen the clothes and accoutrements. Now you've actually got to meet. Use the UK tips and advice below to avoiding ruining it all with a badly timed gaff or an ill-chosen meal.

Location

For a first date make it lunch rather than dinner: it's more informal, cheaper and easier to make an excuse to get away if it all goes wrong. Choose a place that's not too noisy and don't go to the movies - you won't know your date any better after two hours in silence.

Timing

Always arrive on time - you'll make a terrible impression if you leave your date waiting for you and feeling awkward.

Be yourself

It's a date, not a job interview, and its only purpose is to decide if you'd like a second date, not a partner for life. Take the pressure off, relax and be yourself. Don't exaggerate or tell lies, if the date goes well and you start a relationship it's going to be very difficult to back track.

Be polite

People respect old fashioned manners and it pays to be polite both to your date and the restaurant staff.

Eating

If you've opted to go for a meal for your first date choose what you eat carefully - you'll never pull off spaghetti elegantly, manage an open top burger without making a mess or survive a poppy seed bagel without comic black seeds stuck in your teeth. And remember what your mamma told you - don't eat with your mouth open or speak when your mouth is full.

Drinking

Don't drink too much - it looks bad, makes you lose your ability to make clear decisions and brings out a lot of drivel in conversation - a sure way to make this your first, and last, date.

Conversation

Listen to your date and let them talk. Don't harp on about yourself (or your dreadful exs) all night and don't brag - allow your date to draw the interesting things out of you, it'll have a far greater impact.

Body language

The best thing you can do to relax your date is to smile. Make eye contact when you speak - shifty eyes make people feel suspicious. Don't fold your arms as it looks defensive and try to exude an air of cool confidence - even if you're trembling inside.

Who pays?

If you've invited your date out then you should pay. If you've got a problem with it choose somewhere you know you can afford. If you really want to impress give your credit card details to the waiter before the meal and then there's no awkward mumblings when it comes to getting the bill.

Be honest

At the end of the first date it's vital to be honest about how you feel it went - it saves the awkward phone call later. If you don't want to meet again just be tactful: thank your date, tell them you enjoyed it but you don't feel they're right for you.

Safety

Remember, a few emails and a phone call don't make your date a trusted friend. Play it safe and meet in a public place, don't give your date your home address or allow him to give you a ride home. Let a friend know where you're going, who you're meeting and what time you'll be back. Trust your instincts: if it feels wrong just walk away.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - First Date Tips