Do you dread going out with someone on a date?

Do you fear doing or saying the "wrong thing" and making a bad impression?

Well fear no more, let's take a look at how you can boost your confidence and both have an enjoyable time......

Lesson 1 - Preparation

Make sure you are both clear about where you are going, what the occasion is, where you are going to meet and at what time you will be meeting.

It might also be wise to have an idea about how long the date will last - are you "meeting for lunch" for an hour, or is it intended to be a long leisurely lunch followed by a walk in the park?

Be clear.

It may also be useful to agree how you will both get home.
If you are unsure as to what to wear - ask - or just be your normal self and wear what you would usually wear.

If it is a formal occasion, for instance, if someone has invited you to be their partner at a wedding or a formal dinner, then DO ASK - there is nothing worse than feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable about what you are wearing.

Don't overdo the make-up, perfume or aftershave.

People are attracted to clean hair, nails and skin - make an effort, but don't go over-the-top.

Lesson 2 - The date

When you see your date for the first time - SMILE!

Say, "hello" and act as normal as possible.

If you would normally kiss each other as a greeting, then do so - kissing each cheek is normally a safe option - very European and chic.

Be polite and attentive. Ask how they are; if they had a good journey; whether they would like a drink before you head off etc., etc..

Talk to each other as much as possible but don't desperately try to fill every second. A few moments of silence is normal.

Try to find things that you have in common and talk about these subjects - you should find yourself chatting quite naturally and normally after just a few seconds once you hit the right subject.

If you have a "pet subject" like football, cars, soap operas, office gossip etc., that you could go on about for hours - DON'T!

Nothing ruins a date quicker than one person going off on a monologue about THEIR favourite thing.

Dates are about getting to know EACH OTHER - find out what you can about the OTHER PERSON - don't be tempted to dominate the conversation and freeze them out.

If you are in a crowd, at a party or a wedding, don't lose track of your date.

Don't be tempted to "have a laugh with your mates" and ignore the person you took with you.

Treat your date with respect and courtesy.

Have a good time and enjoy each other's company.

Lesson 3 - The end of the date

Make clear arrangements about how and when you will call each other, or see each other, again.

Don't leave things "hanging in the air" with neither party really clear about what is going on.

If you are a woman, make sure you have a safe way of getting home.

If you are a man, make sure that your date can get home safely, and that you can get home too.

If the date has been cordial you may wish to kiss each other on the cheek and politely say, thanks and "goodbye".

If the date has been a success, you may both be desperately waiting for the other one to "make the first move" and have a goodnight kiss.

If you are unsure - ask. If the answer is, "No" - then "No means No".

But if the answer is, "Yes", then GO FOR IT and enjoy!

Lesson 4 - After the date

If you have made arrangements to call - then CALL!

Most women appreciate being looked after - so call to make sure she got home safely.

If you are a woman and you would like to see the man again but he hasn't called - call him!