Dating Etiquette: Essential Dating Rules to Follow
When you're on the dating scene it would be helpful to have some kind of a handbook that explains all of the dos and don'ts, but unfortunately there isn't such a book available – or rather there is, are, but they invariably disagree about what the right and wrong things to do are. The best way to keep yourself on the right foot on a date, especially an early one are to follow some basic guidelines as follows:
- Be yourself. Yes, you can clean yourself up, and perhaps even buy a new outfit for the date, but the most important single thing you can do on the date is to be true to who you are. Don't go agreeing that Republicans are marvelous if you're Democrat to the core. Don't go choosing a vegetarian dish because your date has done so – unless you openly state that you're doing this out of respect for their choices, but normally you do eat meat.
Not being yourself means that your date is going to get a different view of who you are, and whether or not they want to meet you for another date will be based on the person you appear to be whilst on the date. It may work for a few dates but eventually the real you will surface and at that point if your date doesn't like what they see, the relationship will end. Far better you show yourself now and let the relationship progress on an honest footing.
- Be punctual! Never be late for a date unless there's some unforeseen and completely unavoidable incident that has kept you from being on time. In an age of cell phones, and even public phones, there's little excuse for not at least contacting your date (or the restaurant where you're meeting) so that they know you've been delayed.
- Turn up. If you've arranged to meet someone on a date, make sure you turn up. If for some reason you can't make sure that you get word to the person you're meeting to let them know – this could be via telephone, or even sending a friend on your behalf, but don't leave them waiting for you to show up. Your chances of getting another date with them, or even anyone they know, are close to zero if you do!
- Remember that a date for two people, not an opportunity for one person to monopolize the conversation. Listening to your date means that not only do you find out more about them, and the way they think, but also has the advantage of showing your date that you're interested enough in them to listen to what they have to say!
- Make sure that you know what your date's expectations of the evening are in advance. That way you both know what the "rules" are as regards to who's paying for the date, who's walking who home, and so on. Once these are out of the way you're free to enjoy the date without wondering whether you'll be left to pay for the meal, or be allowed in for coffee when you get to their home!
The best etiquette rules are mainly commonsense with a touch of sensitivity of the other person's feelings thrown in for good measure. Make sure that you are respectful of your date and you should both have a great time.
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