1. Keep
things in perspective, it is only a date.
Your life does not depend on it, whatever
you may be thinking.
2. Give
yourself enough time to get ready so that
you can soak in the bath or shower and
contemplate.
3. Make sure
you know what you will be wearing some time
before you get ready and do make an effort
to look nice.
4. Play some
nice music that gets you in the mood and
makes you feel good. Accompany this with a
single glass of wine to mellow you out.
5. Make sure
you know where you are going and what time
you need to be there and make sure you know
where you are going and how you are going to
get there. Book a cab with time to spare.
6. Quality
Aftershaves, colognes and perfumes only
please and do not over do things. Whilst
your own nostrils may not be able to detect
the half a bottle of Hugo Boss you have just
drenched yourself in, your date will not be
able to see you though the vapour cloud. The
same goes for the girls.
7. Give some
though to what you are going to talk about
and what things you would like to avoid. It
isn't quite an interview situation and
should never feel like one, but some of the
same rules apply. Preparation is everything.
8. Especially
for a woman, tell a good friend where you
are going and carry a cell phone and follow
all the safe dating rules that apply. It is
your responsibility to feel safe and secure.
9. For men,
ensure your shoes are sparkling and that you
have remembered the accessories such as nice
belt, watch and wallet. The details may not
be so important to you, but they speak
volumes about you.
10. Try to
eradicate any feelings at all that this date
has to work. It doesn't, it is just a night
out. If things do work out then great, but
as I said at the beginning, be cool. Your
date will spot any subtle signs of
desperation on your part a mile away which
is why before arriving on a date you should
do everything to make yourself relax.
11. As a guy,
if you wish to take flowers along, that's
nice but keep the proportions small and make
things subtle and stylish.
12. Do not
imagine you are going to have sex this
evening even though it may not be far from
your mind. By the same token, do make sure
that your bed sheets are fresh and the place
is tidy, just in case.
13. Whilst
bathing spend some time thinking about all
the things you would like to ask your date
and what humorous stories you can tell.
Picture the person you think you are about
to meet and what you have to say about
yourself, particularly with reference to any
questions they may ask you.
14. Even at
this early stage remember that you will not
be telling anyone that you love them this
evening.
