Dating Do's & Don'ts: 20 tips for a successful date

1. DO take her to a coffeshop or out for a drink and appetizers on your first date. There's nothing worse than a movie where you can't talk or a 5-course meal that you can't get out of if the date goes badly.
   
   
2. DON'T take him/her to a place you've never been. You need to focus on your date rather than worry about the food, the ambience, or the wait staff. Visiting a place that you like and frequent allows you to focus on your date.
   
   
3. DO be creative with your date ideas. Suggest doing something out of the ordinary. Find out what he/she is interested in and take that into consideration.
   
   
4. DON'T be late. Whether you're picking up your date or meeting at the restaurant, make your first impression a good one.
   
   
5. DO compliment your date. Women (and men for that matter) appreciate complements. Tell her that she looks pretty or tell him that he smells nice.
   
   
6. DON'T look away during the conversation. Keep eye contact
   
   
7. DO turn your cell phone off or on vibrate. Answering your phone will on a date is the epitome of rudeness.
   
   
8. DON'T talk about yourself the entire time. Ask your date questions about him/her self and share your own thoughts and stories when appropriate. Remember that balance is the key.
   
   
9. DO insist on ordering and sharing a dessert. Most women won't order dessert, but sharing one with a date can be super sexy. Go for something chocolate -- it's an aphrodisiac.
   
   
10. DON'T go overboard with jokes. Everyone appreciates a little humor -- it lightens the mood and makes you smile -- but too many jokes makes it seem like you're trying too hard.
    
    
11. DO touch and flirt. Give a smile, gently touch her arm, or hold his hand. These acts show that you're interested and bring about a sense of intimacy.
    
    
12. DON'T be overbearing. Ask what he/she wants whether it's a drink, a movie, or a restaurant.
    
    
13. DO be a gentleman -- open the doors, pull out her chair, and be polite to the wait staff. A little old fashioned chivalry makes a woman swoon.
    
    
14. DON'T talk about past relationships. This conversation is often a first date killer.
    
    
15. DO suggest continuing the date if it's going well. If you went out for a drink, invite him/her to dinner or a club.
    
    
16. DO go for a short walk afterwards. If your date is going well, a walk under the stars holding hands only adds to the romance.
    
    
17. DON'T get too touchy-feely. Holding hands is perfect for a first date. Anything more than that may be a bit overbearing.
    
    
18. DON'T invite them back to your place on the first date. Even if the date went really, really well, it's better to save this for at least date number three.
    
    
19. DO walk her to the door when the date is over. If it went well, give her a kiss, but keep it light. It will leave him/her wanting more.
    
    
20. DON'T ask for his/her number if you're not going to call. It's rude and can leave your date with hurt feelings.