If just one of these questions comes up a yes for you, then it is time to take inventory and start dating smarter…
There comes a time in every single girls life, when she realizes that she just isn’t playing it as smart as she could. A few years ago I realized that I didn’t have a list of dating do’s and don’ts. I was flying by the seat of my pants and doing it badly at that! Then I began to take inventory. What were the key elements to a successful date? How could I ensure that I wouldn’t always be the girl waiting for the telephone to ring after hearing those dreaded words “I’ll call you.”
So if you are feeling that love has passed you, by try this simple list I have compiled before you give up on the whole dating scene:

Dating Do’s

• Dress appropriately for the date. If you’re going to a ball game don’t dress in spike heels and a low cut dress.
• Be interested and interesting.
• Share at least three things about yourself; it lets him know something about you.
• Compliment him. Who doesn’t like compliments?
• Be on your best behavior. Never, never get drunk!
• Thank him when he does something nice for you such as pull your chair back.
• Be a good conversationalist. Show him that you are more than just a pretty face.
• Eye contact is very important. This also shows interest.
• Ask questions. This will give you a good idea whether you’re compatible.
• Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions concerning values. Better to find out now…
• Let him know you had a good time. This lets him know you might be open for another date.
• Thank him for the evening.

Dating Don’ts

• Don’t come on too strong or to eager. Any guy worth his salt will run!
• Don’t make the first move when it comes to kissing or holding hands.
• Don’t lie about the real you. If he doesn’t like you because of your religion, profession or because you have a Ph.D. then he isn’t for you.
• By the same token, if he is an avid rock climber don’t tell him that you have scaled Mount Everest. The truth always reveals itself.
• Don’t act eager for a commitment.
• Don’t tell him your problems. It makes you sound like the walking wounded.
• Don’t ask him about his ex or talk about yours.
• Don’t Reveal too much too soon
• Don’t Talk so much that you monopolize the conversation.
• Don’t flirt with other men.
• Don’t appear high maintenance.
• Don’t try to make him jealous.
• Don’t take him to a place your ex frequents.
• Don’t assume you can change him.
• And last but not least, if you know after a couple of dates he isn’t for you, move on.

by Melanie

So what if she does say yes? What are some sure fire ways to turn those first date jitters into an evening you both will enjoy? Here is a list of some simple dating tips that are sure to make that date go smoother.

Dating Do’s

• Consider keeping the first date light. Try lunch instead of dinner or even a coffee date. I would avoid a movie date for the simple fact you can’t hold much of a conversation in a movie theater. After all, you are trying to get to know her better.
• Do be on time. If guys don’t like to be kept waiting, then why would girls?
  Being on time will set the tone of the date. It shows respect and consideration
  for the other person.
• Dress appropriately. This does not mean if the date calls for good old blue jeans, you show up in a pair you have been savoring in your bottom drawer since the eighth grade. You know, the ones with all the holes in them! Looking like a bum will only send out the wrong signals.
• Be sure to let your date know if the place you are taking her is casual or dressy. No girl wants to be told you’re taking her roller-skating, only to be horrified when you have decided to take her instead to the most upscale restaurant in town.
• Compliment her on her appearance. Women really do like to hear that stuff.
• Be sure to pull her chair out for her and open doors etc. Good manners are always in style.
• Always behave like a gentleman. Remember, one doesn’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
• Always make sure to pick up the tab. Sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many guys like to split a tab on the first date.
  For that matter, asking your date to pay when you’re not in a committed relationship just isn’t cool.
• Try asking her about her hobbies. What does she like to do for fun? What’s her favorite movie? Does she like Chinese food? Questions like this will help both of you become better acquainted and let you both decide if you are compatible.
• Share something about your interests. What do you like to do in your spare time?
• Tip well, but don’t try to come on like you’re Donald Trump!
• Always make good eye contact. It tends to look like you’re not telling the truth when you look away. It also makesit appear as though you’re not interested.
• Do thank her for the date even if you never plan on calling her again.
• If you are interested, don’t be afraid to tell her you enjoyed her company.
• If you are truly interested, ask her if you may call her again for a second date.

Dating Don’ts

• Don’t take her to a dive. I don’t care if the place is the hottest club in town, this is insulting!
• Don’t talk about yourself non-stop. Nobody wants to sit through an evening with a person that appears to be self absorbed.
• Don’t talk about work all evening. This is a good indication that work takes up most of your time. Any girl dating you would probably play second fiddle to the office.
• Don’t brag on your finances or your Jaguar. Sure, a woman wants to know you’re financially stable, but unless you’re looking for a “gold digger”, I would concentrate on things of more substance.
• Don’t take cell phone calls unless absolutely necessary and even then excuse yourself.
• Don’t chew gum, spit, crack your knuckles or do other things that signal you’re a “real class act.”
• Don’t assume you’re ordering for her. This isn’t 1958!
• Don’t split one dinner. Yes, this really happened to a friend of mine!
• Don’t get ahead of yourself and talk like the two of you are already a hot item.
• Don’t make long-range plans. After all, you two are just getting to know each other.
• Comments like, “Oh honey, next year that will be the two of us watching the ball drop in Time Square.” will only send out “flashing” neon signs that you commit too soon and may be in need of a security blanket not a girl friend.
• Don’t borrow money on a date. Tacky, rude and insulting are three things that come to mind.
• Don’t get drunk. Keep it to a two drink maximum.
• Don’t come on too strong. Lines like, “Hey baby, lets go back to my place”, will send her straight to the little girls room and out the back door.
• Never take her out on a coupon or free movie pass. Yes, this really happened to me!
• Don’t flirt with the waitress or other girls for that matter.
• Don’t speak ill of your ex. This only makes you look bad.
• By the same token, bragging about how wonderful your ex was is also a turn off.
  Steer away from the ex factor altogether!
• In fact, stay away from talking about her ex too.
• Don’t make sexual advances if her body language says otherwise. Learn to read the signals. Playing it safe is better than coming on too strong.
• Last, do not tell her you intend to call her if you don’t. Just thank her for the date and end it there.

by: Melanie