First Date Tips

You Have To Be Creative

Take a little time to think it through.
A three-hour date with a movie that lasts two and a half-hours and then a quick snack together is not a good way to get acquainted.
Then again, you don't want to be stuck staring at each other without a topic of conversation and both of you end up looking at each others phone or looking at other people.


Lunch or coffee is a good start 

Make it short and simple. You will have ample time to get to know each other and have a decent conversation. Talk about things that you think would interest your date. Dont ever go babbling around about your problems.

Even better - a trip to the zoo/museum/amusement park.

Plenty of topics for discussion without having to deal with issues like: "What happened to your last relationship?"
And you can avoid the usual casual chit-chat like:
"My wife is still missing."
"I met my first boyfriend on the prison bus."



Clothing

Clothing is not optional.Wear clothes that make you feel good and most importantly comfortable. Be yourself and dont overdress. This will give the wrong impression and your date might freak out and that will be the last time the two of you go out on a date.
New clothes always help - but if not new, be sure they're clean, pressed, and fit well - or if that's not your style - be sure they fit whatever way makes you feel the most comfortable and still look presentable.

Help the Other Person Feel Comfortable

Look for something nice about your date and compliment her or him. For example, you can compliment your date's hairstyle or shoes. Say something soothing or assuring that will make your date feel at ease around you.

Manners and/or Kindness

Thank the other person for the date - always, without exception.
Good manners are still in style. Well, not necessarily good manners - but common sense. Human kindness. That sort of thing is always in style.

Focus on the Other Person 

Pay attention to your date. No wandering eyes. No preoccupation or reminding your date about your old relationships, problems at work, or even bank robberies.

Be THERE.

Listen actively to what your date says. Don't ever cut your date short of his/her conversation. Listen and listen with interest. If you are not interested in your date in the first place then you wont be bother going out. While your date is talking, don't spend time thinking about what you're going to say when it's your turn.

Attitudes and Habits - stay positive. 

Don't complain on a first date.
Be cautious about alcohol - if you drink heavily, you're not going to be at your best. If your date gets swacked on your first date, it's not necessarily due to nervousness. He or she is likely to be a heavy-drinker, at best, and could end up drooling on your new, pressed clothes as you shovel him or her into a cab.

Date ideas for the week:

Take a class together.
Photography?

Old-fashioned dates that take the pressure off:
Pizza, conversation and bowling.
Museum, fair, art exhibit, acquarium -- all fun with loads of topics of conversation
Theater -- not necessarily a movie -- but local theater can be great fun