The thing is with first dates is that there is a lot of pressure to make a strong and good first impression. We all know that first impressions are lasting ones and so we want people to remember us well. I came up with an acronym for the word F.I.R.S.T. to explain the do’s and don’ts of first date behavior. It’s good stuff.

[F] FLATTERY. That goes for girls and guys. This is the first time you’re out with the person and quite frankly compliments never get old (as long as they’re believable and organic – don’t be cheesy) Mention the cologne or perfume your date is wearing smells good or that you really like what they’ve done with their hair. Not only will it make them feel good, but it’ll score you points for paying attention.

F is also for first impression. This is – more than likely – the first time you’ll be one on one with your date and you want to make it a moment they won’t forget. So be sure to dress to impress…look good but make sure you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. The point is to look fabulous EFFORTLESSLY – however (especially us ladies) – we want to look so good that he won’t look at anyone else during dinner. Not even the really hot waitress who tries to flirt with him. Manners are key so be sure to be on your best behavior to set the bar really high. This makes it hard for anyone else they date to meet the expectations you’ve met.

[I] ITINERARY. Have a plan! Winging a first date is not the best idea. I’m not saying have every second and minute planned to a tee, but know if you’re going to do dinner or bowling or both. It’s pretty important to be on the same page as your date so you can avoid miscommunication and an overall bad date. Set a time to meet or pick up your date and MOST IMPORTANTLY – SHOW UP! Don’t get me started on that…

I is also for icebreaker. For some people, they need something to happen before they’re comfortable on a first date because everything is so new – so if you’re funny make them laugh and release the tension. Once on a first date, a guy made a joke as we entered the restaurant that made me and the hostess laugh and even though I wasn’t uptight I have to admit that it made me more comfortable with him. Another way to break the ice is to do something that neither one of you have done before, that way if you make a fool out of yourself you can do it together and cherish that moment…that you’ve only had with them.

[R] R-E-S-P-E-C-T. It should be a given but we wanna make sure we mention everything here. So be sure to respect your date. Don’t be rude and show those acts of common courtesy momma taught you…you know like saying please and thank you and not belching at the dinner table. It’s little things like that, that go a long way. Try to keep the cursing to a bare minimum and if they have an accident like spilling ketchup on themselves or tripping while they walk let’s try to laugh with them instead of laughing at them. Unless of course you’re not looking to have a second date…

[S] SPOIL. Guys, I’m not gonna lie, this is mainly for you. Be sure to spoil your date to a certain extent. Open doors for your date (quite frankly that’s just common courtesy), bring flowers and compliment – as we discussed earlier. Do those things that make girls swoon over guys and in the end she’ll be smitten by you.

(I know, I know. Swoon? Smitten? The letter is “s” here, so just follow my lead…)

Girls, we can do our part too. As I said earlier, flattery will get you far so be sure to spoil your date with compliments. Also, leaving tip (if you guys choose to have dinner) is a good look. I’m a firm believer that the guy should pick up the tab on the first date, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when the chick leaves the tip.

[T] THANKS. Last but CERTAINLY not least, be sure to thank your date for the time you had. The worst thing to do is to come off as ungrateful. That’s not a good look. Ladies this goes especially for us because I know how we are. We expect to be treated like royalty on this date, which we should, but just because we are, that doesn’t mean we have to be inconsiderate for all that was done for us. Mother taught us better than that. That doesn’t make your date really want to take you out again. Guys, be sure to thank your date also. She did bless you with her presence. Oh yeah and even if the date sucked…fake the funk and still be thankful. And then, just never speak to them again.

So there’s a little first date etiquette for you according to me and I think it should take you far. I know it did for me. The last guy I went on a first date with is…now my husband :) I’m just saying….