Dating Etiquette

Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, chances are you still feel unsure of 

how to be on your best behavior. A date is already a high pressure situation and 

stressing out about good etiquette will only make it worse, so here are a few do’s 

and don’ts to help you make a fantastic impression.

Never talk with food in your mouth

Always finish chewing and swallowing before responding – nothing is more

unattractive than a mouth full of partially mashed meat and vegetables.

Always Bring a Small Gift

This goes for the ladies also. Bring a small flower, a small box of their favorite

candy, or any small token of your admiration. It’s a nice way to start off any date.

Never drink too much

There are almost too many reasons for this one, so instead of alcohol have a cola

or a “virgin” version of your favorite mixed drink.

Always tip well

If you pay the tab or split the bill, make sure you leave an appropriate (at least

20%) tip for your server. After all, you never want your date to think of you as a

cheapskate.

Never talk badly about your former love interests

You’ve probably heard the old advice about never bad-mouthing your past

employers. Well, the same applies to your past relationships. Even if you dumped

your last guy for being a cheating jerk or your last girl for being a clingy nag, now is

not the time to recount the gruesome details.

Always say at least one nice thing to your date

Whether you feel chemistry or not or whether you plan to go out again or not,

always give your date at least one sincere compliment during the evening.

Never push romance or intimacy

You may feel that the date is going great and maybe you’re ready for a kiss, but

never push the issue. If your date seems reluctant, you should respect that.

Always bring enough money

Nothing can be more embarrassing than not being able to pay your tab. Always

bring some cash as well, in case there is a problem with your credit card.

Never be rude or critical

Dating is hard enough without having a date that tells you everything you are doing

wrong all the time. Keep in mind the old adage: if you can’t say something nice,

don’t say anything. No one wants to be around someone that is critical.

Always stay focused on the other person

Nothing will ruin a date faster than one person’s roving eye or a failure to pay

attention when the other person is speaking. So give your complete attention to

your date – they deserve that much.

Never ask financially focused questions

A date, especially early on, is not the time for questions like “How much do you

earn a year?” or “What did that car cost you?” You should also avoid flaunting

those dollar amounts as well. People are about more than their salaries.

Always be yourself

Don’t try to impress your date with tales of your fabulous job or your huge bank

account if you don’t have either.

Be honest and be whom you really are.

Otherwise your date may not be interested in you, but in whom you are pretending

to be.

Never take (or make) cell phone calls while on a date

Turn it off! Nothing is ruder than ignoring your date to take a phone call. Unless

you’re a doctor being called for an emergency, your date will not be impressed.

This goes for dating as well as life in general – no one likes to think the person that

may be calling is more important than they are!

Always be on time

The worst way to start a date is to be late. Obviously delays may occur. If you are

running behind, give your date a call. A simple act of courtesy can prevent your

date from getting off track.

Never promise to call if you don’t plan to

So the date was lousy and even though ending the evening is awkward, never

promise a call or a future date unless you plan to follow through. Instead, simply

wish them a pleasant evening and head home. If they ask you directly, be honest,

but not rude.

Always look your best

Maybe we shouldn’t be judged by how we look, but the fact is most people feel

more confident and more vibrant when they feel that they look nice. So spend the

extra time picking out your clothes and fixing your hair- it’ll be worth it.

Never expect something afterward

Men and women are both guilty of this- expecting a little more from a date than just

a fun evening. If your only objective on a date is to get sex, you will not get to

know the person and you will not be forming a meaningful relationship. That’s fine,

but make sure the other person is fully aware of the relationship’s limitations as

well.

Always think positively

The best way to make your date a great one is to go into it with optimism and a

smile!