Date Etiquette: 8 Dos And Don'ts

Whether you're on your first date with a new person or the 100th with your significant other, you want to have a great time, without embarrassing yourself or being embarrassed by your partner. Likewise, you don't want to be one of those couples who has nothing to talk about at dinner, and you definitely don't want to be the date who dominates the conversation, not letting her date get a word in edgewise.

Following these dos and don'ts of dating etiquette will help you sit back, relax and enjoy a fulfilling date:

1. Don't be afraid of silence
There are so many different styles of communicating that it's often difficult to use the right style at the right time. A woman who can engage in the conversation at the appropriate time is very sexy. Being a wallflower and not saying anything at all can give off the wrong impression. He may think you're mad, you're not enjoying yourself or "She's just not that into me." On the other hand, a sure fire way to turn a man off? Cut him off or don't let him get a word in. And, remember, a pause in conversation is OK. It's better to have a moment of silence to collect your thoughts than to talk just to fill the space. 4 First-Date Conversation Killers

2. Do smile!
The sexiest thing that you can do on a date is a smile. More than a sexy dress, men are attracted to women who smile. But it doesn't stop there. A beautiful smile is irresistible! You're like a magnet that will draw people to you. A smile puts everyone at ease and makes you approachable in social situations. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel awkward, try smiling and see if it doesn't change your environment. How often do we sit with frown or scowl on our faces? Trying smiling instead.

—Ugenita Provost, Life Coach

3. Don't drink too much!
When you are on a date, you may be inclined to drink a little more than usual to help you loosen up. Ladies, do not by any means try to match a man drink for drink. And gentlemen, under no circumstance should you suggest your date drink more than she's able to handle. You are not in college any more, and your goal on a date is not to get as drunk as possible.

The best way to prevent yourself from getting drunk on a date is to never drink on an empty stomach. It is always best to have a meal or appetizers when alcohol is involved. A very good rule of thumb is for every drink you have, you should drink one glass of water.

4. Don't pick up that cell phone!
When you are on a date, be fully present in the moment with the person you are on a date with. If he/she set aside time to spend with you, then you should honor it and never take a call or text during your date. Nothing, besides an emergency, is that important that it cannot wait a few hours for you to respond. If you do need to take an urgent call or text, make sure you tell her/him who and why you have to take it, so he/she doesn't assume it's another man/woman on the other end. 10 Rules For Texting And Dating

—Suzanne K. Oshima, Dating Coach

5. Do ask open-ended questions. To keep the conversation flowing naturally, ask questions that encourage answers in paragraphs rather than "yes/no" answers. For instance, try "What do you do for fun?" instead of "Do you play tennis?".

6. Do politely interrupt. If it feels like you're just doing all the asking and your partner is doing all the talking, balance it out by sharing your own answers when your date pauses. If it's been a 10-minute one-sided discourse about stamp collecting, you can say "It sounds like you've got some great collectibles there. My favorite hobby is salsa dancing. I've been taking lessons once a week at the community center. It's great exercise and makes me feel like I'm visiting a tropical paradise..."

7. Don't be late. Try your very best to be on time or, if possible, early for a date. Arriving late signals to your date that you had better things to do than honor his/her time with a prompt arrival. 5 Dating Tips For Busy People

8. Do maintain an open mindset. Don't let one minor snafu ruin an entire date. So you spilled your wine within five minutes of meeting this new guy? Let it go! The only thing worse than spilled wine is fixating on it for the rest of the meal. Be present.

Likewise, when you part ways, don't jump to any fixed conclusions about the date. Don't feel like you have to make a judgment call about date number two as soon as you leave date number one. Sleep on it. Allow your mind to change, as it certainly will anyway! If you're in a relationship, dinner dates can start to run together—but keeping an open mind will allow you to experience something new with your partner that you might otherwise miss if you're only looking for the same old thing.

—Melodie Tucker, Life Coach