10 Rules for Dating Success

1. Compliment, compliment, compliment. Always compliment you're date on how they look. Just as you have spent time getting ready for your date, so have they. Complimenting them lets them know you appreciate the work they have put in getting ready for your date. This should be one of the first things you do upon dating someone for the first time. You want to show them that you are attentive, polite and well mannered.

2. Dress appropriately. Don't over dress and don't under dress. Unless your first date is at a very formal happening, leave the suits, ties and little black dresses at home. Casual attire is best for a first date. You want to look good but don't get carried away. It's also best to not go overboard with the jewelry. This goes for both sexes. And whatever you do don't get carried away with the perfume or cologne. Be subtle, not overpowering.

3. Respect. It is very important that you show the proper respect for your date. No matter your position in social circles or how many college degrees you may have you must never talk down to your date. Dating is about finding someone who will make a good match for you and if you do not treat them as an equal you will quickly push them away. And if your not careful they just may one up you before you realize they are more than an equal match for you.

4. Bragging. Whatever you do don't spend your first date reliving all your glorious accomplishments. Nothing will shut down the conversation faster than you blabbing on about everything you've achieved in your life. A first date is a two way street, where both parties are getting to know one another. If you turn it into a one sided conversation your first ate could well be your last date.

5. Turn off your cell phone. Nothing says inconsiderate jerk at a first date more than answering your cell phone when it rings during your date. If for some reason you may be expecting an emergency call, let your date know before hand so they are not surprised if and when your phone does ring. But it had better be an honest to goodness emergency. A call from you business partner about an important contract does not count as an emergency. This is the type of thing that should be taken care of before or after your date.

6. Smoking. If you are a smoker you must respect your dates personal space. Don't smoke around them on your first date, but let them know that you do indeed smoke. If you want want to take your chances with your own health that's your choice, but don't risk others health because of your habit.

7. Show an interest in your date. It's important that you show interest in your dates interests and life. Dating is about getting to know each other and who they are and what they want out of life. In return it's important that they show interest in who you are are and where you are from. This should be a give and take for both of you otherwise you get a one sided conversation. See rule 4.

8. Be good dinner company. Take your time over your meal and don't eat to much. You don't want to look like you're eating your last meal. You want to be able to move easily after dinner, maybe even move the date to another location for desert or coffee or maybe another drink and some dancing.

9. Don't talk about past relationships. Nobody who may be romantically interested in you wants to hear your past dating or relationship horror stories. These are better left for the future when you and your date are more comfortable with each other.

10. Make sure you let your date know how much you enjoyed your time together. This is important if you would like to see this person again because they want to know that you found them fun to be with.

Dating should be fun and relaxing. The most important thing is to be yourself, because that's who you want your date to see.