If
you meet someone through a personal
ad, arrange a face-to-face meeting as
soon as possible. Don't create a fantasy
email or phone relationship. The connection
and chemistry could be very different
in person.
On
the first date, it's often best to meet
for a beverage, not a meal. This will
make departure easier if there's no
chemistry.
Make
eye contact. Never talk to body parts!
That makes people feel objectified.
Give
sincere compliments about your date's
appearance and personality.
Be
clean and well-groomed, and make an
effort to dress well. If you choose
to wear cologne or perfume, keep it
light. Your scent may turn your date
off if it's too strong. Plus, your pheromones
are sexier. Do not eat garlic on the
day of your date; it leaves an enduring
odor on your breath and skin.
Keep
stories about your ex's or past dating
experiences to a minimum on the first
few dates. It could be alienating to
the other person since they do not know
you. Focus on getting to know your date
in the present time, and don't aggressively
probe into his or her past.
Have
excellent table manners. Don't eat off
your date's plate unless you're invited
to do so.
Keep
alcohol consumption to a minimum. Alcohol
dulls your perceptions, and being drunk
makes you unattractive.
Be
courteous to your date. If you're not
having a good time, end the date as
quickly and painlessly as possible.
Don't torment the person or provoke
an argument.
Represent
yourself accurately in personal ads.
Describe your best attributes realistically.
Do not lie about anything, including
your age, physical characteristics,
or marital status. Misrepresentation
sets up an energy of mistrust and reflects
self-esteem issues. Express what you
are seeking in a positive way. Do not
whine about past disappointments.
Make
sure the photo in your personal ads
is recent. If you don't, your dates
may feel duped, and you'll be setting
yourself up for disappointment.
Turn
off your cell phone. If you are expecting
a call that you absolutely must take,
let your date know in advance, and keep
it brief.
