7 Ways to be a Great Date. When it comes to dating, we often worry about the wrong things when we should be looking forward to the date. Will he laugh at my jokes? Be impressed by my job? Notice that my hair is out of place? The result: our self-conscious attempt to be perfect, and make a good impression, frequently backfires.

1. SUGGEST AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY. If there's a movie you've been dieing to see, a new restaurant you'd like to try, or a museum exhibit you want to check out, planning a date you'd enjoy is a good start. But don't forget about your date. Try to consider what they might like too. Don't plan a date on a boat when you're unaware if your date gets seasick. Ask a few questions beforehand and you'll make a good impression and be a better date because you're having fun.
2. SMILE AND HANG IN THERE. No matter how dismal a date is, always be polite, hang in there, and try to act like you're having a good time. You don't want to get a reputation as someone who mistreats his dates. If the date doesn't work out, you can be friends. And friends always have friends that you can date.
3. LET'S GET PHYSICAL. If the thought of coming up with several hours of conversation with a new person gives you hives, suggest a sporty activity like bowling, pool, or even just going for a walk. If you're shooting darts or playing a video game, you won't feel the pressure to keep up nonstop conversation. Plus, you'll have some natural opportunities to flirt - with good-natured competition and gentle teasing. But don't go overboard. Pick something that doesn't demand too much of a challenge. Bungee jumping on a first-date might be a little extreme.
4. RELAX. Maybe the waitress is rude, the chicken rubbery, and the table affords a grand view of the kitchen. No date is ever perfect. You'll make a better impression if you roll with the punches, than if you complain. Enjoy the company of the person you're with and you can laugh about the mishaps later.
5. DATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON. Dating is dating. A date is a test drive to see if someone fits you. You're allowed to test drive more than one person until you find the perfect person for you. By going out with several people you become a better dater and naturally become more comfortable with the process. You'll also find that you begin to sharpen your dating skills and are able to easily discern your likes and dislikes. That's the key to starting a good relationship – knowing from experience what you like and don't like.
6. CHECK YOUR BILL PAYING MANNERS. It's fine to split the bill, but don't whip out a calculator and tell him he owes more because he ordered soup. Also make sure you pay your share. Don't try to cheap the bill on your date. It's also fine to let him pay – you can pay on the next date. And never expect anyone to pay.
7. STAYING IN TOUCH MAKES GOOD CONVERSATION. If you've got a date coming up, make a point to stay in touch with the news and current events. After you've told each other how many brothers and sisters you have, and what you do for a living, you'll have something else to talk about. You don't want to miss out on the potential for a great conversation.

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