First Date Do's for Men

How to Put Her at Ease and Get a Second Date

Acing a first date is a snap when you know the best place to meet, what to wear, and how to make sure she stays interested.

In case you're wondering, there is an “art” to meeting a girl for the first time. If you have ever wondered why you don’t get a second date, your first date approach could be the problem. Following are some tips to help you meet your new lady for a successful date.

Let Her Choose the Location

You might want to impress your date with one of your favorite hangouts, but on your first outing let her be the one to choose a spot. The best option is a coffee shop where there are plenty of people going in and out. If she’s stumped for a place to meet, then be prepared to offer up some choices.

Be Early

Most women don’t feel comfortable waiting alone for a date to show up, so ease her first date jitters by arriving 10-15 minutes early. Find a comfortable spot where the two of you can talk, and grab a coffee while you wait. Allow her to buy her own coffee or tea when she arrives, and greet her with a smile and gesture toward the chair you saved.

Leave the Baseball Cap at Home

Make sure you’re groomed and looking your best for the first date. You might feel totally comfortable meeting your new lady, but you should still dress appropriately. Wear a nice shirt, jeans, and have a cleanly shaven face.

Allow Her to be Part of the Conversation

Guys converse in an entirely different manner than women. Generally they’re more animated and aggressive, which is fine when they are talking with other guys, but for a first date it can leave the gal waiting for the opportunity to speak.
Men might view a woman who doesn’t say much as quiet or worse, boring. But in order to hear her speak, ask her plenty of questions to make sure she’s engaged in the conversation.

Ask for a Second Date

Be prepared with a second date in mind when you're about ready to wrap up your first outing. If you like the girl and feel that you've hit it off, have a specific day and time in mind and ask her out for a second date. Say something like, "I had a great time and would like to see you again. How about this Friday night? Are you available at 7:00?"
Even if you don't have a specific activity in mind, it's important to pinpoint a time so your date knows you are serious. Besides, your girl will appreciate this approach so much more than saying, "I'll call you."
First dates don't have to be full of pressure and anxiety. By following a few simple tips, you'll be able to present your best self while having a great time. Be sure to put the girl at ease by asking lots of questions about her. Then, sit back and listen. Getting her to open up will help the two of you to enjoy your date all the more.

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First Date Do's for Women

How to Dress, What to Say, and How to Have a Great Time

There's no better way to spend time than getting to know a guy on a first date.

Many gals get very nervous when it comes to meeting a new man, but with a few common sense tips any date can be a success. Here are a few things that will keep your first date a positive experience.

Be on Time

Being fashionably late for five or ten minutes still leaves a poor impression. It says that you don't care enough about the person you are meeting or his schedule.

While some women arrive a bit late so they won't have to uncomfortably sit alone for their date to show up, a better option is to choose a coffee date for your first outing. A coffee date will allow you to comfortably sit by yourself (if necessary) while people come and go.

Dress Appropriately

First dates are about looking your best, so a tasteful outfit paired with an understated amount of makeup is most appropriate. Girls should be cautious however, in taking care to avoid wearing anything too sexy or low cut. You want to get to know your first date, not tease him the entire night.

Actively Engage in Conversation

Men communicate differently than women. They will often talk about themselves at great length in an effort to make good first date conversation.
Women, on the other hand, tend to listen politely as the guy talks. But some men might think their date is boring if she doesn't speak up. Rather than sitting back and waiting for a break in the conversation, girls should make a concerted effort to interject points into the conversation, even if it means interrupting.

Have Fun On a First Date

Sometimes women can read a lot into a guy's behavior on a first date. A girl might spend an entire evening wondering about whether a man is husband material or not, instead of just enjoying the date and having fun.
Rather than getting caught up in fantasies about the future, relax and enjoy spending time with your date. After all, if he has a great time with you, it will probably mean he'll ask you out again.
First dates are all about getting to know someone new, which can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Make your very first impression a positive one by showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and actively being a part of the conversation. Don't read too much into a first date. Instead, relax and enjoy your night out.

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How to Propose to a Woman

1. • You've probably already been thinking this over for some time. It's a big step but also one that many more have already made. The important thing is to know that you love her and consider her to be "the one". Write down or think through a list of all the reasons that make you want to marry her. This will be important for expressing your love to her at the proposal, as well as confirming to yourself that you're making the right decision.
   • Avoid discussing your plans too widely with others, as it can soon filter back to her through the grapevine.
   • Psych yourself up for continuous wedding talk and preparations once you've asked her. It's useful to have an idea in your own mind about the length of time you'd like between the engagement and the wedding, realizing that she'll have her own ideas about this too.
2. 

   If the parents are old-fashioned and your significant other wouldn't find it offensive or sexist, you could consider asking her parents for permission.
   If the parents are old-fashioned and your significant other wouldn't find it offensive or sexist, you could consider asking her parents for permission. Although asking a father's permission is considered by many to be old-fashioned, it hasn't died out precisely because it's a gesture that suggests that you respect her and her family and that you're always going to be considerate of her family. It's also a sign of politeness, and what family can resist that?
   • Put her first – is this something that would be important to her and her family? Or is it something that might make her cringe? Or maybe she is estranged from her family. Take your cues from your knowledge of her existing situation and preferences. You should know her well enough by now.
   • Another modern twist on asking for permission is to do so after you've proposed. This can be a way of ensuring that your wife-to-be is the first to be asked but she's aware that you still intend to bring her family right into the fold by asking; this can also be a good excuse to turn up together to share the news. Some people consider that this is the "wrong way around" but it's still a sign of respect, and frankly, it's your choice.
   • If it isn't possible to ask her father, ask her mother.
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   e.
   Decide when to propose. It's important to get the timing right, and timing is really only something that you can work out. It's not possible to say that there are perfect times to propose but it is important that you propose at a time when you're not rushed and when you feel calm, sorted, and ready. Once you've planned the proposal in as much detail as possible, then the time will be right. Some things to keep in mind though:
   • Is there a meaningful day to the both of you? Such as an anniversary of your relationship or first date, or some other commemoration?
   • Sometimes the time chooses itself by sheer practicality, especially if the two of you are living in different cities and come together for a special holiday event and this is your only chance to ask her.
   • Consider the time of year she wants to get married. It's helpful to ask her or indirectly through her friends or family if there is a certain season, month, or length of time she wants to be engaged in order to plan the wedding without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
   • Proposing on special holidays or birthdays has advantages and drawbacks. On the one hand, these days can make the occasion more meaningful, especially if family is gathered around or it's a time of great joy. On the other hand, you will always share your proposal date with the holiday date; if you want to celebrate your engagement date, this can make it feel less impersonal for some, while for others, it's a great way to remember!
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   .
   Decide where you will propose. The place and atmosphere of the proposal will be remembered forever and the most important thing to remember is that you are the principal creator of the atmosphere! Naturally, you can propose absolutely anywhere but it helps to choose a place that will be meaningful for both of you and where you can feel comfortable, calm, and natural.
   • Where are her favorite places? Does the love the beach, sunsets, tall buildings, bridges, cityscapes, nature, etc.? Or perhaps she'd appreciate a private screening in the local cinema?
   • What is practical? The harder you try to create a special occasion, the more things can go wrong. Sometimes it's just easier to focus on what you know will work and will be appreciated by both of you.
   • Consider romantic places such as the beach, a botanical garden, a famous restaurant with an amazing view, a covered bridge, a picnic, etc.
   • Consider the things the two of you love doing together. Perhaps this can serve as a source of inspiration, such as proposing when you're out camping, fishing, sailing, hiking, cycling, attending a sports event, traveling somewhere, etc.
   • Make reservations if you need to. If you're proposing somewhere like a restaurant where you need to be able to get the best table, etc., be sure to reserve it well in advance.
5. Decide how you will propose. Once you've decided the when and the where, the intimate details of the how need consideration. Naturally, there is the ring to produce but what other elements do you want to add into the mix to make this an especially memorable and romantic occasion for her? Bear in mind that the manner in which you propose will be retold by her many times over, so make sure it's good! There are many possibilities and it's entirely up to you what you do but for some inspiration, here are some suggestions:
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     Try the traditional pose. Bend down on one knee, take her hand in yours and ask her to marry you. The beauty of this gesture is that it's universally recognized thanks to the movies, and it can be performed anywhere. Just note that if there are other people around, they'll be eavesdropping (kindly!), so expect their interest and support.
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     Think about things that might accompany the occasion, such as a quartet playing a tune or a serenade, or a tiny fireworks display, etc.
     Think about things that might accompany the occasion, such as a quartet playing a tune or a serenade, or a tiny fireworks display, etc. These sorts of extras are not necessary and they will bloat the budget unless you've got willing friends to help out, but if it's your kind of thing, they can add to the atmosphere.
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     Hide the ring. This is another popular method for proposing that requires her to find the ring, and then you do the proposing. Places to hide a ring include inside flowers, chocolates, or a special gift. be sure to ask her to open the gift at the time, or you might be waiting ages! And take great care not to hide it somewhere that she can accidentally swallow it; that'll put a big dent in the occasion.
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     Be creative. If you're not so traditional or you're not that keen to say the proposal yourself, there can be a number of other ideas for proposing that involve some more planning but can be really entertaining as well as confirming for her that you're the kooky guy she wants to spend the rest of her life with. You could prepare her very own word puzzle or crossword in which the final answer spells "Will you marry me?". Or you could have a plane write the question across the sky as the two of you are walking along. Perhaps use publicity, such as taking out an advertisement in the paper that you know she'll read, or getting her favorite radio DJ to announce the proposal, or place a big banner with the question on it over a bridge she drives under every day.
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   Look for a ring. Ask her mom or best friend what her ring size is. If you don't know, get a temporary ring, and then get another after you propose; for many women, choosing their own ring is the preferred option.
   • Read How to choose an engagement ring for more information.
7. 

     Or just wear whatever's practical!
   Be dressed in your best according to the occasion and choice of place. Dress well to be sure that you're as handsome and attractive as can be. This is a very special occasion and it deserves to be "picture perfect". She'll appreciate the effort you've gone to.
   • Naturally, this only applies where you're planning to propose somewhere elegant and you have time to change beforehand. If you're proposing on the beach, during a hike, skiing, or as you're skydiving, use your common sense about what to wear!
8. 

   
   
   Practice. If you're going to propose, it pays to practice. Practice asking, and practice explaining the reasons as to why you love her so much that you want to spend the rest of your life with her. This will help you avoid being tongue-tied when the important moment comes up.
   • Keep the proposal simple, to the point, and from the heart. For example: "Melody, I love you more than words can ever express. You're the most thoughtful, generous, kind, and beautiful woman I've ever had the fortune to know and I'd be honored to have the chance to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?"
9. 

    Seal it with a kiss!
   After double-checking everything, go forth and propose. There is no time like the present to move on with your carefully thought through plan. Bring her along to "the place" and start unfolding your plans. Be sure that you don't give things away by touching the ring in your pocket constantly, or saying daft things. Some things to bear in mind post-proposal:
   • There may be tears, screaming, or shock. Don't be phased, these are fairly standard reactions, even if she has every clue of what you're about to do. It's not real to her until it's done!
   • If she says yes, end the proposal with a kiss or a hug.
   • If she says no, react with understanding and don't be petulant. She may need time to think and a memory of your sour face and grumpy attitude will leave a bad impression in her mind. Be a gentleman.

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