10 Smooth First Date Tips Men Should Memorize

Ah, first dates. So nerve-wracking. If only you knew exactly what was going to happen, then you could plan out everything in advance.

But first dates are kind of like playing the lottery.

You gotta be in it to win it, but sometimes you end up empty-handed. If you're a woman, you know these sorts of situations don't always go so smoothly.

Here are 10 smooth first tips men should memorize:

1. Take charge

We do not want to decide where to go. We will never tell you this, but it is true. Ask us what kind of place and/or food we like; then, pick a place like that. Do not leave it up to us to choose. You are the man. Act like one.

RELATED: 8 Important Red Flags To Look For On A First Date

2. Smile

When we arrive, smile. Maybe you are a tough guy. Maybe you are nervous. Maybe you are paralyzed. Either way, smile. Women are strange, exotic, intuitive creatures, and we respond well to positive reinforcement. Do not glower.

3. Mind your body language

If your legs are crossed and your hand is over your mouth, we will unconsciously think you are hiding something.

If you are sprawled out all over with your legs spread wide and your hands behind your head, we will think you are a slob or generally loose. Sit up straight, lean in closer, and keep your hands where we can see them.

4. Ask questions

This seems obvious, but it's surprising how many men don't do this. Do you know what women like? Attention. Also, kittens, flowers, and cupcakes. Nothing else.

If you seem curious about the woman sitting across from you, she will like it. For sure.

RELATED: An Actual Ghost Crashed My Date

5. Listen

You can't just ask a bunch of questions, and then not listen to the answers. They call this a "date," but, really, for women, it's more like a "test." If you emailed or talked on the phone beforehand, remember what the hell she told you about herself. If you forget, we will feel angry and want to leave. Then you will be sorry.

6. Use flattery, appropriately

If at some point during our meeting, you tell us we are "beautiful," "attractive," or "pretty," we will like you better than if you didn't. It's. Just. That. Simple.

7. Act right

We really do not care if you are secretly neurotic, deeply insecure, or mildly nuts. We are interested in how you portray yourself. Act confident, interested, engaged, self-assured, ambitious, and happy. We like that. Thanks.

RELATED: He Didn’t Like Me, So He Took Me For Laps Around The Block: A Tinder Date Horror Story

8. No pawing allowed

If you're going to score with us at some point, we will let you know. Trust. Occasional physical contact is OK—a hand to the small of the back, a touch of the thigh, or a brief holding of the arm while making a point. Do not grab anywhere in the red light zones. If we want your hands there, we will put them there.

9. Pay

Feminism, shmeminism. Take care of the bill without comment. That is what we want. Wave off any offer to go dutch. We lied. We don't want to pay half.

10. Say goodnight

Don't meander off into the night. Do something. What that is is up to you: a handshake, a hug, a kiss. Do it right? You might get a second date.

RELATED: 3 Reasons You're Still Very Single — And Exactly What You Can Do To Change That

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