by Jeff Cohen

Follow these simple first date etiquette tips and you'll greatly improve your chances of securing the all-important second date:

  1. Make a Backup Plan
    The weather can change quickly, restaurants can close for renovations, and your tickets can turn out to be counterfeit. Have a backup plan in mind in case your date takes an unexpected turn.

  2. Plan a Short Date
    No need to map out the rest of your lives together. Start with a simple, 1-2 hour date. If things go well, you can always extend the date. However, there's nothing worse than being on an all-day tour when you realized five minutes into the date that you have no future together.

  3. Be Punctual
    There's no greater sign of disrespect than being late for your first date. Get directions to your location, arrive early, and show your date that you care about him or her and the plans you made.

  4. Agree on the Dress Code
    When planning the date, talk about the dress code for the particular event.
    It can be embarrassing if one person shows up in a suit while the other wears jeans and a sweatshirt.

  5. Compliment, But Don't Over Do It
    A few nice words makes everyone feel special, but persistent comments about the other person's looks, personality, body, etc., gets old and can seem desperate.

  6. Drink Responsibly
    A few drinks may take the pressure off the date, but don't pretend you're at a fraternity party. Drinking too much will likely bring out some bad sides to your personality and that can't help your chances.

  7. Balance Talking and Listening
    Pay attention to the amount of time you spend talking versus listening. If the scale is weighing in either direction, look to balance it out.