First Date Etiquette; perfect first date advice, or for any situation you happen to find yourself in. Everyone appreciates good manners, so don't leave yours at home!
Punctually is important. Leave early, get there with time to spare. Walk around the block if you have to in order to kill some time if you are too early. Your car is not a time machine, so don't leave your house already late and hope to make up time on the way.
Try to be accommodating. Things change, plans get messed up. Don't stress. If the date doesn't go just as planned, don't worry about it. Plans rarely ever go just as you intended them to.
Keep it neutral and public. You should both feel safe and comfortable in the dating location you have chosen.
Be courteous. This should go without saying and is a very important aspect of first date etiquette. Treat your date kindly, even if they really aren't your type, or the date isn't exactly going as you had hoped it would.
Just because they aren't what you are expected, or worse, are impolite to you, does not mean that you have to be. Treat others as you would want to be treated, even if they aren't doing the same to you!
Keep your mobile phone switched off. Don't check for text messages, e-mail or anything else. In fact, don't take it out of your coat or purse at all.
Be polite to the person serving you, if you are eating out. How you treat your server is a reflection on how you treat other people in your life.
Remember your table manners if you have a meal planned. Your mother told you to take off your cap at the dinner table and to chew with your mouth closed for a reason. Put those lessons to work now. Oh, and no elbows on the table either, this does not leave a favorable impression.
Be a good listener. Everyone wants to feel validated and heard.
But, don't forget to talk. Your date will want to get to know more about you too, don't forget. Try to find the balance. Remember to keep the conversation light and avoid topics such as politics, or other personal or sensitive matters.
Don't forget to smile. A date is supposed to be fun, remember?
It is easier to be sincere than it is to lie. Instead of thinking up excuses, just be honest. If you don't want to see the person again, tell them. Don't say you'll call when you won't (tempting as it may be). Would you want to be lead on? Us either.
That's it! The basics of first date etiquette. Sure, there may be more, but there is not point in overwhelming you. Stick to these essential first date rules and you should do just fine.
Enjoy your date, get to know the person. If they aren't someone you want to get to know better, call it a day/evening and move on. If they turn out to be someone you are interested in, make arrangements to meet for a second date. You never know, this person could be the one of your dreams if you treat them right and give them a fair chance getting to know them!
