Having a Great Date

Congratulations, you got yourself a date. No one, especially you mother or your friends can figure out how, but congratulations nonetheless. Now for the hard, but fun part.

Making Arrangements:
Think about it this way, women have it easier than men. You had to start the conversation last time, you had to ask her out when you met her and now you have to call her up and ask her to do something special (and it better be special). This is just the curse of being a real man. If it makes you feel any better, it has been happening for millennia so you're not alone. Follow these steps and we're sure you'll have a great date and maybe even a second one.

Phone First:
Call her up and reintroduce yourself telling her where you met her. "Hi, I'm (INSERT NAME HERE). I met you at (INSERT PARTY) the other night. I was wondering if you were still available to go out sometime?" If she is, have a day and time in mind and suggest it. Keep the phone conversation short. Make the appropriate date plans such as where you will meet her or if you will pick her up and at what time.

Have a Plan. NO! Have THREE Plans!
It's best to have a few options for a first date. Depending on your activity level, you might want to consider a walk or a bike ride followed by an ice cream trip. Just let her know first so she may dress appropriately. You can also try the old "dinner and drinks" route as well. In which case make sure you have at least two or three options of places to go. This is where your Boy scout training comes in handy - always be prepared. Have several options with reservations to ensure that your date does something she likes.

Before The Big Date
There are lots of things to remember on the day of the big date so just keep some of the following in mind.

• On the day of the big night, consider exercising strenuously. Not only will your skin look better (increased blood flow), but you will be more relaxed overall and not as antsy.
• Shower and relax before your date. By showering then relaxing instead of showering and running out the door your core temperature will be cooler so you will not be sweaty as you hug, kiss or shake her hand.
• Remember to use deodorant, wash your hair, clean your nails and wear a small (this is emphasized) reasonable amount of cologne if you use any at all. Women like you to smell good but not overpowering. Just like we like them!

The Date itself
Since no one is really an expert at dating, you can't guarantee you'll have the perfect date every time. Just know that it's OK if things don't work out. You're there to have a good time and that's it. If it works out, great! If it doesn't, move on to the next! Here are a few things however to make sure that it's not your fault the date is ruined.

• Try and be a gentleman. This means, (as dorky as it sounds) opening the door for your date, not swearing in front of her, not picking your nose and doing your best not to fart. Try this, if she does, it's OK if you do.
• Don't talk about your ex or anybody who  broke your heart.  There are millions of alternate topics, so you better think of one.
• Leave the cell phone or pager at home unless it's life or death. No one is impressed with you stupid friends that call asking if you hooked up yet.
• Compliment your date, but don't suck up. Compliments such as - I like your perfume, you have beautiful nails, you sure do have pretty eyes work wonders. Sucking up, well, just plain sucks.
• Ask questions about what interests your date. Possible topics include work, hobbies, friends, family, where you went to college or high school, music, ambitions, secret (non-sexual) desires etc.
• Do NOT get wasted; more great dates have ended with vomit on the dates shoes than the fates want to admit. Do yourself a favor, don't be that guy.
• Eat light; try salads, grilled chicken, vegetables. Things your Mom thinks you eat. Gorge yourself on chicken wings, french fries and Soda at home when no one is looking or after you're married when she loves you and it doesn't matter.
• Never, ever tell a lie. Women are interesting, they always find out. So keep the story of your life as a double secret agent ninja to yourself. She won't believe you and will be more impressed with your honesty regarding your overwhelming dull life than your wild imagination.
• If your date pays you a compliment, say "thank you." Leave it at that. There is no need to keep talking about it or fish for more.

Finish the Date
Always be polite. Say thank you for the date, walk her to the door and tell her you had a good time.  Don't tell her you will call her or ask her for another date on the spot. If you had a good time call her the next day and let her know. If you didn't, call her and tell her you had a good time. Either way, she will think well of you and might just recommend you to her single friends if it didn't work out like you expected. Never burn your bridges.