Top 10 Rules of Dating
Dating should be fun. It's as simple as that. If you're not enjoying it, then you're just not doing it properly! It's not an interview process, it doesn't have to be frightening, intimidating or boring but should be relaxing, interesting and exciting… read on to find out how!
1) Plan your date
If you know where you're going and what you're doing, it's one thing less to worry about and apart from anything else, it shows you've made an effort. You can always change your plans if you get swept away by spontaneity, but you'll never need to lamely ask "what shall we do next?".
2) Pick the right location / activity
It might not be up to you of course, but if it is, make sure you match the date venue and activity to your stage of dating. A first date needs to be relaxed but interesting, an anniversary dinner needs to be a little bit special (expensive!). Likewise you need to pick dates that both you and your date are going to enjoy - don't take him/her to the driving range just because that's your idea of a perfect date.
3) Look the part
Try to look nice. Whether you care about your appearance or not, your date will appreciate that you've made an effort.
4) Relax
If this is a first or early days date, you may well be feeling nervous or anxious. You shouldn't. The worst that could happen (we hope!) is that he/she decides you're not for them, and if that's the case, so what? It wasn't meant to be. You've got a better chance of having fun and being liked if you relax and let the nerves go.
5) Listen
There's little more off-putting than someone who does nothing but talk about themselves, at any stage of a relationship! Don't try too hard to be interesting, being interested is much more important.
6) Smile
It sounds obvious, but sometimes you do need to make a conscious effort to appear happy. This is perhaps particularly true in a long term relationship when you've stopped making quite such an effort for dates. Try not to moan about your terrible day at work, your nagging mother or your neighbour's cat. It's depressing.
7) Who pays?
It really doesn't matter, just don't drag the question out. If you're a guy on a first date, you'd do well to offer to pay. If you're a girl, you should offer to split the bill. Just don't go on and on insisting, give in graciously and avoid an awkward 5 minutes.
8) Chivalry is not dead
This is for the boys really, and yes, we know it's the 21st century, but nevertheless good manners are always appreciated (and assuming you're not dating the head of the UK feminist lobby, she'll probably be impressed). Open doors, pour the wine, make sure she gets home safely.
9) Don't play games
If you enjoyed the date, get in touch. Whilst you must avoid the 'stalker / bunny boiler' approach at all times, don't wait for 4 days before texting just because your mate tells you you should. Why overcomplicate matters?
10) Date often
The most important rule of all, and in our view, it gets more and more important the longer a relationship lasts. If you've met someone new, make the most out of being able to go on hundreds of wonderful dates, just don't forget to keep doing it once the 'honeymoon period' is over. And yes, that still goes for those 'marrieds' amongst you!
