Dating Etiquette: First Impressions Are Everything

It is one thing to be out in the ’singles market’ today, but if you don’t know the basic Dating Etiquette, it can leave you single for a lot longer!

The first thing to remember is that you are a good person and are worthy of a loving relationship. Your self esteem and body language need to show this in order for you to meet someone with the same rapport. There is someone for everyone and each person is beautiful in their own way. ~Confidence is a beauty all in itself~

What are the first things to keep in mind on a date?

• Have a small “silent” checklist prioritized as a guideline, but keep your thoughts to yourself. Do not go on a date with your clipboard questionnaire.
• Be Polite - First Impressions are a ‘make or break future date.’
• Make an effort with your appearance.
• Both sexes should dress respectfully and age appropriately.
• If you want to be respected and taken seriously, be respectful to them.
• Stay off your phone unless you have told them you’re expecting an important call.
• Give them your full attention (don’t use the mirrors to check out others in the room.)
• Do not discuss past relationships.
• Try not to discuss sex too early unless that is all you are looking for.
• Ensure you are comfortable with where you are going on your date.

Be careful how much information you give out too early; your date does not need to know that you had your testicle removed or your breasts enhanced. Be yourself but hold back on these private details until you have something established with them. No one needs to know that your Uncle is in jail for fraud right away. Why do some people want to discuss all their dirty laundry on the first few dates? Wouldn't it make more sense to show them your best traits first? Why sabotage any chance of seeing them again by telling them all these scary reasons not to be interested in you?

If you ask someone out for dinner, be prepared to pay regardless of what gender you are. In 2011, it is acceptable for a woman to ask a man out. If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, never go empty handed; a bottle of wine or a dessert is always appreciated. Always be on time but if you have to be late, call in plenty of time beforehand so they are not sitting on the couch dressed and ready to go. Calling them when you are already supposed to have been at the front door is not proper etiquette. They could have done something else for an hour.

Respect their time as it is just as valuable as your time.

What should you do at the end of the date?

• If you felt a reciprocated connection, give them a hug or small kiss goodnight.
• Tell them you would love to see them again (don`t wait for the three day rule to call)
• Follow up your date with a thank you call or E-mail.
• Do not say you will call when you have no intention of doing so.
• Honesty with diplomacy is always the best approach if you do not feel a connection on the date.
• Every dating experience has a story that you can learn from; enjoy them for what they give you at the time.
• Don't look at every date as a potential spouse. (Picking out china patterns too early will only end in disappointment!)

With an open mind even when a date goes wrong, it can make you see more clearly what you really "want" down the road. Everyone who comes into your life teaches you something in one way or another; don't look at it as a waste of time. You might not see what purpose they had in your life right away, but you will understand why later. (It could be about you teaching them something, which is good karma)

Regardless of what transpires, go out and enjoy your single life in the dating world. There is so much to explore and some great people to meet. Experience is everything and one of life's beautiful lessons. At the very least you may develop some great friendships down the road or learn something very valuable that changes your life forever.

Susan McCord @ http://www.youtube.com/twobeavers