First Date Advice Guide

You've done all the hard work - you've approached a complete stranger and not only engaged them in conversation but secured both their telephone number and a date to boot. So now comes the finale - the date itself. There's a lot you can do to prepare, to help things run more smoothly (and hopefully help you secure a second date.)

Where to go on a first date
First thing to think about is the best place to go. I strongly recommend lunch as it normally has a cut off time and usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours. There's no pressure to stick around after the 2 hours is up (if however, you're getting on swimmingly you can always go on somewhere else).

If choosing to go out for dinner then take care with the restaurant you choose as they invariably dim the lights, soften the music or light candles which can then make it look like you're on a romantic date before you've worked out how romantic you'd like it to be, which can put pressure on the evening.

Pre-date preparation
People often panic about the idea of 'awkward silences.' Well a little preparation goes a long way. A simple thing like reading a couple of tabloids and broad sheets to keep you up to speed on what's happening in the world of show business and current affairs will give you plenty of material that hopefully your companion will also know about. It might help to pick 4 or 5 interesting subjects, write them down and pop them into a discreet place in your outfit. 9 times out of 10 just knowing that they're there is enough, you'll probably find that you don't need them in the end.

Conversation on the date
To take the pressure off the date and to guarantee the conversational flow it helps to prepare in advance a very loose structure of what you would like to cover conversationally. You'll probably find that you don't need it but as any tight ropewalker will tell you, the experience is a lot more comfortable with a safety net.

So prepare yourself a conversational beginning, middle and an end:

For starters
You could ask questions about the menu, food or wine they enjoy, your journey there, their work, whether they enjoy it, etc.

What shall we have to drink?
Do you fancy wine with the meal?
Red or white?
Let's check out the menu! Anything on the menu you haven't tried but have been curious about, then let's be adventurous?
What's the most unusual thing you have ever eaten?
Where do you live? Did it take long to get here?
What sort of work do you do? Do you enjoy it? etc.
Main course conversation

You could ask questions about hobbies, travel or anything they've mentioned previously that could be expanded on:

Any hobbies?
Have you traveled much? Where have you been?
Are you going away (been away) this year?
What country would you most like to go to and why?
Bit of a mad question for you! If you could cook for any 3 people from history or modern day who would they be? (and if this exchange is still exciting ask) And what would you cook for them? (Don't take can't cook as an answer as everyone has one has at least one dish they are good at).
And for dessert...

At this point things will be coming to a climax, so if a second date has not been secured or has not come up, a good question to ask is:

What was the last film you saw? Anything on at the moment you would like to see? (and it doesn't matter if you've already seen it… simply say 'Oh I'd love to see that…') And if they're interested they should say something on the lines of: 'Well I am thinking of going to see it next week you are more than welcome to join me.'

Don't worry too much about having to see the film again. The fact is you have secured a second date and when next week comes you can always say 'I am not in a cinema mood. Do you fancy going for a drink instead?'

5 tips for success
Have a few questions and conversation topics prepared in advance.
Listen to your date with genuine interest.
Ask questions - like the food you're consuming, share the conversation.
Be positive and remember you are selling yourself on the first date.
And finally, you've worked hard to get this date so think happy and enjoy yourself!
Now put your dating skills to the test!