Part Three: The Date

Nervous about the date? Don’t be. From overcoming embarrassing moments to finding out if your date really likes you – we’ve got you covered.

 

Emergency Repair Kit

Hey, life happens. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready for any eventuality. Keep a purse/shoe box handy that contains all the following things:

1. Breath mints
2. Antacid tablets
3. Tweezers
4. Hem tape
5. Clear nail polish
6. Band-aids
7. Sewing kit
8. Safety pins

 

D-Day Hygiene Checklist

To make sure you covered all the bases, follow this D-day hygiene checklist:

1. Shower
2. Wash and style your hair
3. Wash your ears (inside, out and behind)
4. Brush and floss your teeth
5. Clip and file your nails (don’t forget your toenails)
6. Shave (face, legs, armpits)
7. Pluck (guys: pay special attention to the bridge of your nose and earlobes; women: don’t skip the chin).
8. Antiperspirant
9. Clean underwear (always listen to your mum’s advice)
10. Freshly laundered clothes

 

One Final Checklist

1. Know where you’re going.
2. Know how to get there.
3. Make sure you have enough gas.
4. Know how much (more or less) things are going to cost.
5. Make sure you have enough money.
6. Make sure you have some extra cash tucked in somewhere safe for emergencies.

 

Also, Recheck The Following:

1. Breath
2. Teeth
3. Wallet
4. Pits
5. Wardrobe
6. Date’s phone number (and address)
7. Tickets

 

Money

The time to swing by the ATM is a before your date. Nothing kills the illusion of a person faster than fumbling with your PIN number while your date waits in your car.

Don’t assume the place you’re going to accept credit cards. If you don’t know, bring enough cash to cover the most expensive item on the menu or at the venue.

 

Who Pays?

Follow this two-part rule:

1. If you ask, you pay. This ensures that whoever does the inviting knows what things will cost and has budgeted accordingly. If you can’t afford the activity, scale down and do something else.
2. The other person offers but doesn’t insist on helping out. No empty gestures, please. And no fighting till death. It’s charming to offer, but don’t push it, and be willing to treat next time.

 

Tipping

You should ideally tip the help 15-20 per cent of your pre-tax bill.

 

Opening Parlay

Icebreakers are designed to put both you and your date at ease. Some good opening gambits include:

1. What did you do today? (This shows genuine interest).
2. What’s your favourite book/movie/TV show?
3. Are you a cat or a dog person?

 

Safe Subjects

Create a conversational comfort zone with tidbits, designed to put both you and your date at ease that includes:

1. Weather

The old chestnut, “The weather’s really nice,” is a waste. But confiding that the sky was so clear and beautiful you spent your lunch hour barefoot in the park is an entirely another story.

 

2. Location

Where you are right now is a great subject for conversation. Commenting on the colours, smells, sounds, and tastes in a positive way allows you to share the experience.

 

3. Mutual Friends

Establish links but beware of gossip.

 

4. News Events

Be up to date, read the paper or a news magazine.

 

5. Popular Culture

Talk about plays, movies, concerts, rock stars, and so on.

 

Taboo Topics

• Sex
• Ex
• Politics
• Religion

 

The Kiss Question

You can tell that a woman is interested in a kiss if:

• She doesn’t appear to be ending the date with some definitive remarks like, “ Thanks. I’ll call you.”
• Her head is tilted up.
• Her lips are parted.
• She is gazing into your eyes.

 

If she’s not interested she’ll:

• Clamp her jaw shut.
• Fumble for her keys.
• Refuse to look you in the eye.
• Glue her chin to her chest.
• Hold out her hand and say, “Thanks.”

 

You can tell a guy is looking forward to a little lip action if he:

• Positions his body between you and the door.
• Acts nervous.
• Shows no visible signs of leaving or ending the date.
• Tilts his upward.
• Licks his lips while looking at your mouth.

 

If he’s not interested he’ll:

• Walk you directly to your car or door, without hesitation.
• Keep his hands in his pockets.
• Look at his feet.
• Avoid eye contact.

 

How to Kiss

 

Here are a few pointers that will help you have a great kiss:

1. Check out your date’s body language

See the previous section for signs.

 

2. Proceed only if you’re sure about it.

 

3. Don’t hover unnecessarily near their mouth – it freaks some people out.

 

4. Maintain eye contact on the way to your date’s lips.

 

5. Start gently

Slowly brush your lips against your partner’s lips and save the tongue fight for later.

 

6. Pull back

Gaze into your date’s eyes. If it’s a go, you’ll know by the way he or she looks at you. If not, apologize and bid goodbye.

 

7. The second lip-press is when you can go French

This means using your tongue. However, it doesn’t mean gagging your date or biting their tongue. Just part your lips and venture forth.

 

8. A light flickering touch with your tongue can produce major results

The tongue is a cluster of nerve endings. Stick to “caressing” your date’s tongue, lips and mouth.

 

9. Don’t overdo it

Variety – kissing the eyelashes, neck, nibbling on the lips, is the great spice that flavours all great kissing.

 

Surviving Embarrassing Moments

1. Your clothes split

Cover it up with a sweater/jacket and use a couple of safety pins to keep it in place.

 

2. You forgot to carry your wallet/cards declined

Be honest with your date or the manager and ensure that you will repay them as soon as you get back home. Chances are, they will understand and help you out.

 

3. You get sick

We’re humans and we’re bound to get sick. Tell your date you are not feeling well and need a couple of minutes in the restroom. If you really don’t think you’re going to make it, it’s best to ask for help.

Passing out in a bathroom will only make things worse. It’s okay to ask for a rain check – or a barf check or a nasal dip check – in this case.

 

4. You pass ahem wind

Avoid breaking into a fifteen-minute nervous laughing episode at all costs. Apologize and open the window or switch on a fan.

 

5. You come across an angry ex

Stay calm and remind yourself that you are not doing anything wrong. Hold yourself together and let them be the only one to make a fool out of themselves.

 

6. Your car breaks down

Don’t get frustrated and make the best out of it. See whether the tow truck or someone else can drop you off at the venue or just take a cab and deal with your car later.

 

Ten Keys to a Happy and Rewarding Dating Experience

1. Analyze fear
2. Be creative
3. Write stuff down
4. Evaluate often
5. Don’t settle for less
6. Be active
7. Be aware
8. Take responsibility
9. Be specific
10. Be realistic

 

Disaster Dates

What to do when you hate your date:

1. Be polite
2. Stay put
3. Have a conversation
4. Listen
5. See your date home
6. Behave as you’d like to be treated

 

Using Tact

Here’s a list of tactful translations for conveying your feelings.

 

Example:

What you want to say

What you should say.

 

1. I want to go home now

Gee, it sure is running late, and I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.

 

2. You bore me to tears

Please excuse my yawning; it’s been a really tough week.

 

3. We have nothing in common

You’ve led such a different life than I have!

 

4. You sure seemed nicer when I asked you out

There are so many sides to your personality.

 

5. What a waste of time!

I’ve been in such a time crunch these days, I never have time for the fun stuff.

 

6. You look nothing like your picture

Your photo doesn’t do you justice.

 

7. Why don’t you say something instead of just sitting there?

You seem quiet – are you okay?

 

8. I never want to see you again

Tonight has been an amazing experience. Thank you.

 

With that, we wrap up the article and suggest you jump right on to part four: the day after and beyond.