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DATING ETIQUETTE TODAY

By Paul A. Falzone

Use the following tips to avoid miscommunication and embarrassment on a first date or any date.

1. Plan ahead together. Create a team-effort feeling about arranging your outing. Make some helpful suggestions so that an enjoyable time together is both your responsibilities.

2. Bring a gift to the door. Arriving with something in hand is a sign of very good breeding--flowers, candy, card, dessert, or a plant, bottle of wine or champagne, candle, music or lottery ticket.

3. Don’t be late. Know how to get there and be there on time.

4. Dress appropriately for the date. Within the spectrum of tails to torn jeans, choose thoughtfully.

5. Everyone adores compliments. Especially when they look great—take notice.

6. Make eye contact and don’t do all the talking. Keep your eyes and attention focused on your date, consider turning off your cell phone, don’t look at your watch. Ask about and listen to their interests and don’t interrupt while s/he is sharing with you.

7. Talk honestly about your interests but avoid illusions of intimacy. Discuss the latest movie, recent book, typical workday, musical interests, favorite sports, hobbies, current events, fun and relaxation, the weather. Leave out gory details of your last date.

8. Show that your mother raised you right. Eat with your mouth closed, only begin eating once everyone is served, open doors for ladies, apply lipstick in the restroom, make sure no food’s stuck in your teeth, no profanity or sexual innuendo.

9. Thank you and a handshake or a good night kiss—use your best judgment. Listen to your intuition and read the body language of your date—you’ll know what’s appropriate.

10. Give a spark a second chance, but don’t say you’ll call again if you don’t mean it. False hope is a painful feeling—don’t make promises unless you’ll keep them.