- Meditate or take a relaxing bath before you go out on the first date.

- Believe in success. Visualize situations when you were successful or browse through your best pictures to put yourself in the winning mood.

- Play it safe. Meet your date out and drive yourself. If you want to bail out early, nothing will stop you. Arranging your own transportation also protects you from a date turned into a stalking nightmare.

- Keep it short. Set a timeframe to a date and stick to it.

- Enjoy every moment of your date and have fun. You don't want to lock yourself into an evening you won't enjoy.

- Men, end the date first. You will make yourself stand out.

- Be agreeable about the plans. Try to suggest things that would be of interest to you both. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, or accept suggestions.

- Women, avoid wearing low-cut, short or see-through outfits. It sounds old-fashioned, but your date knows very little about what kind of person you are. By wearing provocative clothes you risk making the wrong impression, and the first impression is the most important one.

- Wear the outfit that makes you feel comfortable. First romantic encounters are uneasy enough with tight new shoes making your feet sore.

- Don't overuse perfume. Don't knock your date out!

- Men, specify where you are going. This will make your date more comfortable, and will prevent her from wearing an evening gown when you are taking her biking.

- Show that you are interested. Ask questions. Let your date talk freely. The best conversationalists are people who can listen. Great first date topics are work, hobbies, books, music, movies, and sports.

- Keep the conversation light! Don't talk or ask about former relationships. This is a first date, not a therapy session.

- Find out about your date's eating habits before you plan the date in case your date has allergies or a vegetarian. Make sure you choose a place where they serve the food you both like. 

- Don't order sloppy food. Getting sauce all over your face will not make you attractive. If you are not paying for what you order, try to stay in the middle of the menu.

- Look your date into the eyes. Your eyes should spell out your interest and attention. Laugh. Laughter stimulates the development of endorphins ? hormones of happiness.