A Great First Date
It's about experiencing that special sense of anticipation, knowing that there'll be a second and third date, because you enjoy the other person's company and they enjoy yours.
A great first date is not about where you go or what you do...it's about being able to go anywhere and just talk and laugh
First Date Do’s and Don’ts 
Most Important First Date Tip
Tell yourself you're not nervous, Just Excited!
The most important first date tip of all is to be honest. As the night draws to a close, you will have probably made up your mind about the compatibility. While honesty can be awkward at times, it is always better to be upfront about your feelings.
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Don't say you'll call if you never intend to.
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Avoid saying, "Let's do it again," if you know there will be no second date.
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If you did have a great time, say so. Both men and women are often insecure in the dating game, and everyone enjoys knowing where they stand.
Dating is not nearly as painful as we all make it out to be. Just be honest, be yourself, and have fun, and soon you'll be the one giving out the first date tips!
Be Clear About the Date, Time and Place
Don't leave things hanging with "I'll call you later with the details
Be Creative
Take a little time to think it through
Be Honest
Don't play games. Avoid even stretching the truth, the first time you're caught it will destroy your credibility
If Your Date Compliments You
Don't just brush it off or say something rude about yourself, say thank you and do NOT put yourself down.
Keep Checking theInside
(give the exterior stuff a rest). If you stay focused on looks you may end up ignoring or dumping a perfectly fantastic person without ever really giving them a chance.
Plan a Short Date
A daytime meeting takes the heat off
No need to map out the rest of your lives together. Start with a simple, 1-2 hour date. If things go well, you can always extend the date. However, there's nothing worse than being on an all-day tour when you realized five minutes into the date that you have no future together.
-A three-hour date with a movie that lasts two and a half-hours is not a good way to get acquainted.
Leave them wishing for more, not wondering how to escape.
Be Open
To your date's ideas about what to do on the date and express yourself honestly (AND tactfully).
Be Punctual
There’s no greater sign of disrespect than being late for your first date. Lateness is inconsiderate (not to mention it reveals all sorts of things about your personality such as your passive-aggressive tendencies). If your date is late, be pleasant, and listen to their reason - it might be legitimate.Get directions to your location, arrive early, and show your date that you care about the plans you both have made.
Make a Back Up Plan
The weather can change quickly, restaurants can close for renovations, and your tickets can turn out to be counterfeit. Have a backup plan in mind in case your date takes an unexpected turn.
Meeting Your Date
Meet your date out and drive yourself. If you want to bail out early, you won't be trapped. Also, when you have your own car. If things work out, you won't have any worries about inviting your date in or not. This helps protect you from your own impulses, because what's worse then "will he respect me in the morning?" is "How much will I hate myself when I wake up?". Also when you have your own car, no need to worry about safety, your date does not know where you live. This protects you from a date turned bad turning in to a stalking nightmare.
Keep the Date Simple
You're nervous enough without making a big show, plus you don't want to lock yourself in to an evening you won't enjoy.
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Easy on the perfume. You want to knock his socks off, but you don't want to knock him out!
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Don't forget to use mouthwash before you go out.
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Don't order sloppy food. If you are not paying for what you order, try to stay in the middle of the menu.
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Find out about your dates eating habits before you plan the evening. Make sure you choose a place where they will be able to find something to eat.
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Be attentive! There is nothing worse then a date peering over your shoulder making you feel as if they are looking for something better.
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If you are not paying be considerate of what you order. Try to stay in the middle of the menu.
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And last, but not least, have fun and be yourself!
For many people, first dates are about as much fun as a trip to the dentist's office, but a few simple first date tips can eliminate any unnecessary pain. When done correctly, first dates are a great way to gauge chemistry, compatibility, and communication.
What to Wear
Agree On the Dress Code
When planning the date, talk about the dress code for the particular event. It can be embarrassing if one person shows up in a suit while the other wears jeans and a sweatshirt.
It goes without saying, but you should definitely be neatly groomed for the first date, a seemingly obvious first date tip. Love may be blind, but first dates are not. Do not dress too seductively. Even if you typically dress in a sexy way, tone it down a bit for the first date. Extremely provocative clothing can be distracting. It can also give the impression that you are only looking for a physical encounter.
Here are some first date tips for your wardrobe
•Women, don't wear anything too low cut or short. Skip the sleaze. Dressing like Lil’Kim on the first date may get his attention, but it won’t hold his affection for long. It sounds like an old cliché but your first date knows very little about the woman you are. He will take you at face value and you don't want to give the wrong impression. A friend of mine went out for dinner on a blind date. She is a very conservative women, who really likes to take her time in relationships. All of us who know her know this about her. Her date didn't. She went out on the date wearing a sexy low cut cocktail dress. They went to dinner, had a wonderful evening, and when he walked her to her door, he pounced on her! She was of course surprised and upset, but her date didn't know her, he just took her at face value.
Remember what you wear speaks volumes about you, no matter what you say!
•Wear clothing that you are comfortable and confident in. First dates are uncomfortable enough without a tight belt biting you around the waist.
Dress appropriately for the date
If you are going to a basketball game, jeans would be far better than a formal dress. As much as you'd like to show off your new outfit, you'll only look foolish if you're overdressed.
Location, Location, Location
If you are planning the date, you have a huge advantage. The most successful first dates are the ones in which both parties feel completely at ease. Although it is tempting to go all out on the first date, low-key plans are better. If the date goes well, you'll have plenty of time later to wow your partner with your elaborate plans. When thinking about the perfect location for your first date, consider the following first date tips:
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The less complicated, the better. Avoid drawn-out, multi-part dates. These leave too much room for unexpected surprises. An evening that flows is much more relaxing.
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Pick a nice, simple restaurant. No one wants to be worried about the proper fork to use or how to pronounce restaurant items.
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A laid back, fun date will allow both parties to relax. Comedy clubs, sporting events, and concerts are good bets to lighten the mood.
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As cheesy as they sound, bowling, miniature golf, go-carts, and video arcades can all be fun, icebreaking dates. Laughing over a crashed go-cart can quickly erase tension and lead to an air of familiarity.
Here are a few more tips on places to go
-Try an art museum or art gallery or art festival.
- A botanical garden, arboretum or a community garden can be a great place to visit, especially in the spring.
- Try out local, small theaters, not just movies every time. Sometimes the plays are excellent and some are just plain entertaining.
-Farmers Market
-Instead of coffee meet for wine and cheese, Jamba Juice or even Pink Berry
-Make a dessert date. Maybe at a cool Gelato or ice cream shop
-Jazz it up by checking out Jazz at a local coffee shop, museum or festival
- Hit an Arcade like D&B (Dave & Busters) or Game Works
-Try an upscale restaurant bar. Often times there will be live music and great view
Balance Talking and Listening
Pay attention to the amount of time you spend talking versus listening. If the scale is weighing in either direction, look to balance it out.
First Date Conversation Tips
The conversation is probably the most important part of the first date. Through talking to your date, you'll quickly find out if you have anything in common and if you are at all compatible. Many first date tips advise daters to make a list of conversation starters. That's good advice, to a point. If the conversation is flowing, you will probably not need such a list. If, however, there is an awkward lull, turn to your list, but make it as natural as possible.
While it is important to be yourself, it's more important to be your best self. You are just getting to know each other and certain things are better left unsaid--for now.
Some first date tip conversation pointers include:
*Keep the conversation light! Don't talk or ask about old boyfriends, girlfriends, or ex-spouse. This is a first date, not a therapy session.
*Avoid potentially polarizing debates. The first date is not the appropriate time to discuss views on the death penalty, abortion, same-sex marriage, or any other hot topics.
*Leave the past behind. Resist the urge to entertain your date with stories of your abusive childhood, painful divorce, or complicated relationships. Although these subjects are part of you and may very well need to be discussed, this is not the right time.
*Be upbeat. We are naturally more attractive when we are being positive. Now is not the time to launch into a tirade about your rotten luck, terrible year, or awful job. Find something pleasant to discuss.
Ask about your date. Each of us knows we are the most interesting subject :) But the most interesting conversationalists are people who ask about others. Great light topics are work, hobbies, sports, kids (if they have them).
Conversation Starters
You don’t want to be stuck staring at each other without a topic of conversation.
Believe it or not, most of us do have the capacity to carry on a fluid, easy-going and enjoyable conversation with people we have known for years – so, with the right approach, it shouldn’t be any different with the person we’re on a first date with
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Conversation starters can literally save your life on a first date. Why? Well, as you know, going on a first date can be very scary and intimidating. Our minds are overcome with fear and insecurities and we cave in to those emotions. We’re scared of being rejected, we’re afraid of failure, we’re nervous about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time and we’re anxious about what our date will think of us.
All these anxieties are totally human and completely understandable – but they produce devastating results: they paralyze us and greatly inhibit our ability to behave normally and confidently like we do with our family and with our closest friends. Our personal fears lead us to the most uncomfortable situation where we feel a terrible lack of confidence, all stressed out, angry and frustrated.
The bottom line is that we’re doomed to end up in the most annoying, embarrassing and even humiliating situation, which we all know as that "awkward silence".
When you have an arsenal of conversation starters – it’s very easy to keep the conversation going.
You always have something to say, you develop a lively conversation like there’s nothing to it, you’re not nervous, "stuck" or "blocked" and you can avoid the awkward silence disaster pretty easily.
Here are a list of fun, and easy to get to know you conversation starters.
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Has any book had a major impact on you?
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What was the best bargain you ever found?
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What’s the most annoying thing someone could do on a first date?
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What's the most unusual thing you know how to do?
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Is there anything you can’t say "no" to?
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What food could they not pay you enough to eat?
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Who are your cult heroes? Why?
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What was the craziest thing you ever did when you were a kid?
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If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
10. What would be the title of your biography?
Balance Talking and Listening
Pay attention to the amount of time you spend talking versus listening. If the scale is weighing in either direction, look to balance it out
There are so many conversation starters that can work for you fantastically. They can serve as a great base for a flowing, lively, enjoyable conversation that can let your date learn about the "real you" while you leave all the pressure, anxiety and fear behind you.
Help the Other Person Feel Comfortable
Compliment, But Don't Over Do It
A few nice words makes everyone feel special, but persistent comments about the other person's looks, personality, body, etc., gets old and can seem desperate
Find something nice about your date and compliment her or him.
But mean it. Don't just say, "Nice shoes, Kathy."
"Hot belt, Michael."
(Let's review).
Find something nice. If it's painfully difficult to come up with something that you sincerely like about the person, you shouldn't be out with them in the first place!
Drink Responsibly
A few drinks may take the pressure off the date, but don't pretend you're at a fraternity party. Drinking too much will likely bring out some bad sides to your personality and that can't help your chances
Getting Physical
The big question used to be, "Should I kiss on the first date?" That has evolved into, "Should I have sex on the first date?" While there is no right answer, there is one answer if you are looking for a long-term relationship: Wait! Sex too early in the game can actually be an obstacle on the road to real commitment.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for casual sex, only you know when the time and conditions are right.
That End of the Date Kiss
As for the kiss, follow your heart--and your hormones. Times have changed in this department, and kissing on the first date no longer has negative connotations. If you enjoyed the date, felt a real spark, and would love to have a second date, go ahead and pucker up!
What Makes A Great Kisser? Trouble Shooting The Perfect Kiss!
Who knew Kissing would be so important? Well it is root of all that is good but some kisses are just evil. We wanted to get down to the nitty gritty of the Perfect Kiss!
Huston, we have a problem (uh oh)
There are many ways that first kiss can go terribly wrong, but most are easily avoided.
Beware:
Moving too quickly
Be careful not to startle the kissee – watch and wait for the signal to proceed. If you aren’t sensitive in your kissing, how empathetic and caring can you be about the rest of your relationship…
Wet, sloshy, squishy, fishy
If you or the kissee need to wipe your lips, or chin dry after the kiss – well, it wasn’t ‘perfect’ was it?
Smash-mouth smothering kiss of death
Avoid the over-passionate, insensitive kiss that leaves the kissee gasping for air.
Chapped, Cactus Lips
There’s a delicate balance to lip moisture equation. The last thing you want to do is drool on your partner, but you definitely don’t want to leave scars with crispy chafed lips.
Too much Tongue and Too Much, Too Soon
Keep that tongue tucked away until you get the right signals, then apply with caution – later.
Dragon Breath
-A mint or two, breath saver, gum, spray – anything to get rid of gunk-mouth.
Weak, wobbly or Wooden Passionless Pecks
The swoop in and bounce out kiss is simply meaningless – unless you want to impart a “let’s just sort-of be friends” type of message’
Smacking, Clacking Loud Kisses
The old “clack and smack” kills romance in a flash.
First Date Signs He’s A Keeper
By Lisa Lombardi: We’ve all had them—those “I can’t believe he did that!” moments on first dates. I once went on a dinner date with a guy who not only kept his cell phone on the table, but took a call from his mom during our meal. Another guy invited me out for coffee and asked for my share — all of $3 — when it was time to pay up.
Of course, being the open-minded woman I am, I wrote them off as total psychopaths. But can you really read that much into first-date behavior? Just about, says Karen Sherman, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in relationships in New York. “Everything you want to know about someone is there for you right at the beginning,” she notes. And you’re more apt to pick it up in a first meeting than a second or third when “emotions get involved, and clear thinking diminishes,” she adds.
Fortunately, first dates are great for spotting character, too. We polled experts and frequent daters to help you detect early tip-offs he’s got serious boyfriend potential. Here, what to look for.
He’s kind to the wait staff/taxi driver/doorman.
Does he thank the parking attendant as he hands over his keys? Make polite small talk with not only the waiter but the busboys, too? Consider that your good-guy alert. “A man who can treat people well no matter what their income level or ‘station’ in life will treat you in a more considerate way, no matter what your profession,” says Dianne Daniels, an image consultant in Norwich, CT. The guy who considers himself above the taxi driver or doorman, on the other hand, may soon act like he’s better than you (or your profession or your family). Plus, you’ll always feel mortified about his hideous manners. And if your date is gracious about a mishap (from his burned steak to that nick on his car), give him extra points: He’s likely to stay calm under all kinds of relationship pressure.
He could pass for Jon Stewart.
Meaning: Instead of blathering on about himself, he asks smart questions that don’t come off as probing. And if, like a certain late-night host, he happens to be cute, smart and quick with a self-deprecating one-liner, marry the guy! But seriously: A guy who asks you questions rather than reciting his resume is “someone who is capable of caring about someone else. On the other hand, if you can’t get a word in edge-wise, either the guy is narcissistic or very insecure.”
The Ratio
How much he talks about you versus himself. If he’s an active listener and follows up on questions he asks you, you know he’s genuinely interested and not just going through the motions. Besides, the communications skills become oh-so-handy later on!
His cell phone is off
Unless he’s an on-call surgeon or volunteer fireman, that Verizon, T-Mobil and any other cell phone should be nowhere in sight. “If he takes casual calls during your date, he has other priorities, and you may always come in second. Ask yourself this: Do you want to get involved with a guy who can’t go two hours without talking to his work? Or his buddies? Or his ex?
For sure, lots of us take calls 24/7. But that’s why a guy’s refusal to text or yak during your date is so telling. It implies you are more important than a random call, and he wants to be fully present for your night out. Bottom line: He’s not the kind of guy who’s always hoping for better plans to come along.
He mentions his mom (in passing)
“In passing” is the operative phrase here. Why? You want to know he has a strong relationship with the woman who gave him life (if he gets along well with her, he’s more likely to respect women in general. Hopefully he isn’t scary close to Mom.
So unless you see yourself asking for a table for three — you know, because she’s always along — keep your antennae tuned for the guy who considers his mother his #1 girl. (Bad signs: He brags that she used to be a beauty queen. Or mentions that they love taking cruises together.) And do we need to remind you of the big-picture danger of dating a mama’s boy? You may one day have an intrusive mother-in-law. If he’s joined to the hip, he’s less likely to defend you or come to your rescue. Do you want to turn into the wife from Everybody Loves Raymond? Thought not.
Does he mention that he has a Rolex watch is a Rolex
Or that he made a killing in the real-estate market. Or how much his Range Rover set him back. Guys who talk about how much things cost, especially to a virtual stranger, are basically insecure. They use money as a hook to catch women. But you’re not landed that easily, right? Remember, just because a guy spends a lot of money on himself, doesn’t mean he’ll lavish it on his girlfriend. In fact, people who have to tell you the price of everything are often cheap.
A number-one first-date red flag
Bragging about expensive purchases or experiences, such as travel, she says. “On more than a few occasions, guys have name-dropped all the exotic and expensive places they’ve vacationed. They’re basically shallow and insecure. What a turn-off!
He gazes at your face.
That’s instead of your décolletage, the mirror behind your head, or the 16-ounce porterhouse on his plate. A man who focuses on your eyes when you’re talking may be looking for a deeper connection. By paying particular attention to your face and therefore giving himself the ability to pick up your verbal and non-verbal cues, he’s telling you that understanding you is important to him.
Worst of all is that first-date who can’t help but check out every model type who trots by. It may be normal guy behavior — leftover from the cavemen past — but if he can walk upright, he can keep it in check while courting you. “If his eye wanders on your first date, imagine how his eyes will wander once he gets to know you. Buyer beware!
Coming Soon!
Well ladies, don't worry this is just the beginning. We will have all sorts of fun and informative information on Dating and Love...
Online Dating: saftey tips, photos, emails and more
To chat or not to chat?
Dating a Single Dad
How soon is to soon to have sex
Sex tip positions for RealSize daters
Tip on what to do to keep Sex fun, romantic and exciting
along with much, much more!
Do you have a question, comment or a great dating story for us? We want to hear it.
Email Us: info@realsizeinthecity In the subject put Dating & Love.
What Is This Thing Called L O V E?
The power to control all of our emotions when were in LOVE. Think again sweet pea you are not the boss of your heart anymore, nope not when it comes to LOVE!
We’re all in search of it or if not were secretly waiting for it to just happenstance us.
Being in LOVE with someone is beautiful, exciting, scary, and sexy, the list goes on. So in honor of the Valentines holiday I have asked a few people that I know what love means to them and I thought I would share some of their very REAL answers with you.
It was interesting to see what everyone had to say and how their answers differed. While you’re reading see if you can tell the men’s answers from the women’s or the married from the singles and dating?
What a thought-provoking question!
-Love describes both the holistic care and concern you have for another person (for their spiritual, physical, emotional, etc. well-being) as well as the actions you take on their behalf, over and above your own happiness
-A euphoric, never ending, unconditional emotion and connection that is so strong, it even has the power to heal.
-Hmmm.... my definition is this - love is battlefield lol no love to me is taking more pleasure and happiness when your mate is happy. Love is trying to make the other person happy and as comfortable as possible. I don't think that there is a definition. To me when you’re in love it is everything that you are, will be and aim to be. I should write for friggin hallmark!
-Love means respect understanding and sensitivity
-Love means to put your self-willed, pride aside and reach out, any time, not only in need
-True love is seeing something in someone that they don’t see in themselves.
-Love is complete and unconditional devotion to someone or something.
-Love is thinking about someone when they are not with you….or is that lust?
-Love is thinking about someone everyday.
-Love is unconditional care + sacrifice that one doesn't consider a sacrifice + devotion to the other + a state of the mind and the heart where there are no questions regarding the other + readiness to share everything + ability to find beauty and goodness in every detail
-Love is when you take someone into your heart and allow them to become a little part of you forever.
-Love is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength and your greatest weakness.
It was very interesting knowing a little, 0r a lot about some of these people to hear what their thoughts were on LOVE. I know they are all right because I have found that there is no one right answer.
I myself am not in Love right now however I thought I may have found it at the end of 2008 but I guess “he’s just not that into me” although being with this person helped me to remember what LOVE meant to me and what I want from LOVE.
I have been in and out of love more than once well okay some of them were just pure lust. But I can say this that every relationship that I have been in has taught me a little something. Love means something different to everyone, when you both agree on what LOVE if for the both of you in that moment that is what it is.
Sharing, Caring, Mutual Respect, Compromise…
Love is scary it can be difficult but shouldn’t be hard it makes you cry one moment and rejoice the next. It can ruin your entire day or make you glow and everyone notices. It eludes so many of us for long periods of time but when we are there in the midst of it (damn Gina) what a wonderful feeling.
Ahhhhh L O V E, between a man and woman, a parent and child, between friends, an owner and their pet. Its all LOVE.
The one thing we should not forget is to tell that special person that we do love them every chance we get. I believe that the most precious and valuable thing that we own and can give at no coast to anyone is our time and time is L O V E. No one knows how much time on earth they are given so be sure to let that someone special know how much you care by giving them a priceless gift. The gift of your LOVE. Hey in this economy who can afford anything else!
To all of my friends and family I truly LOVE you, I know that I be the worst when it comes to saying it but now is as good a time as any right? Thank you for truly loving me unconditionally. I know that is difficult for all of you.
Thanks to all of you for sharing your feelings on LOVE and if you have yet to experience it, I know it is coming your way soon. Embrace all it has to offer. There may be many broken roads that will lead you to your true LOVE. By the way I am still on those roads but my heart is hopeful.
LOVE,
Shelitha
Lucky for me my very first relationship which was my first love was a very good experience. Although it’s ending was all my fault I was lucky to have found a great guy. Through him I’d learned the real way a man was supposed to treat a woman and he was only 18yrs. Raised by his mother and grandmother without a father figure they did an awesome job! We had known each other and were friends throughout high school. We started dating right after we graduated and we continued to date for several years after. I learned so much about dating and men from him. He was not without fault but as for what to expect from a man when dating or if he is your boyfriend he was a great example. Just respecting a woman, being a gentleman you know the stuff you see in those romantic movies of yester year.
Well lucky for me I had a good solid foundation experience of what to expect in relationships and dating, otherwise with the way dating goes today I would settle for anything. I know lots of women who feel they need to settle because they do not feel that they are as beautiful or attractive as their girlfriends or other women out there. You are worth it, trust us. Men date different women for different reasons. Here we want to give you some a basic dating tools as well as funny dating stories from RealSize women from all cities to help you make good safe decisions when dating. Now is the time to start living get out there and test the waters. So you haven't dated in a long time. We know your scared but we want to help you through it. Dust off those dating skills girl and get out there! If a relationship does not work take the valuable information you’ve learned from it chalk it up as experience and move on. We all know that a good man is hard to find were just happy that there are good men out there to look for.
One bad experience does not mean that all men are dogs and one great guy does not mean they are all going to be that way. It’s the way of the world. The main thing is that you are getting yourself out there and enjoying time with someone that treats you like a woman is supposed to be treated and makes you feel like the most special woman on earth.