There are many gaffes you should avoid when dating. One mistake is enough to turn the other person off dating you forever. Therefore, if you wish to not make any mistakes when dating, you should be familiar with the dating dos and don’ts which will make your dating life easier and more pleasant for you as well as your date.

1. Plan out the date well (if you asked) and ensure that nothing will go wrong with it. If you made reservations at a restaurant double check your reservations. Shouting at the staff will not make a good impression and will make your date feel awkward.

2. Pay attention to the date. If you are a guy, do not stare at her décolletage when speaking. Be attentive and show interest. Avoid answering your phone and contribute attentively to the conversation.

3. Be yourself. Your date has agreed to this meeting because he or she wishes to get to know you better.

4. Avoid intense interrogations. Yes, the idea of the meeting is to get to know him or her. But you should not be a partner to the Spanish Inquisition.

5. Do not make any physical advances. Some women are not ready for this on the first date. Making physical advances so early in the relationship will give them the impression that that is all you are interested in.

6. Avoid subjects about future families. You can discuss your professional plans for the future but do not go near family life. Men are skittish and not ready for this on the first dates.

7. Be prepared for unavoidable things. Sometimes she or he may spill something on your person. Take it easy. Do not shout and fuss. If you have to select another place to go on the date at the last minute smile and shrug and go about planning it. Some things are unavoidable.

8. Avoid excessive drinking. You do not want your date to think that you are an alcoholic.

9. Dress well. One of the main things women judge men by is their appearance. Coming to the date in runners and mismatched clothes is a definite no-no. Even men pay attention to what women wear. Wearing clothes which are too revealing will give them the wrong impression. Therefore, great consideration should be given to what you wear.

10. Conversation should not include religion and politics unless you want to fight with her or him. These are controversial topics which should be avoided till the fourth or fifth date.

Adhere to these do’s and don’ts of dating and you will be assured that there will be no awkward situations when going on a date for the first time.