Simple Dating by the Rules

Been awhile since you've had a date? Or maybe you get the first dates but not the second ones. If this is you, some simple rules below could help make your dating more fun, rules you probably once knew but have since forgotten.

Rule number one, especially on a first date, is to always be you. How often have you heard this? Portraying yourself as someone you are not, putting forth a 'fake' personality, career or an untrue past will always come back to haunt you. How could it not? How long can anyone keep up a such a façade? If you desire a lasting relationship, it will have to be one based on real facts, thoughts and ideas. Initial false impressions create doubts in a relationship that are difficult if not impossible to overcome.

Number two. Try not to focus the entire date about yourself and your life. Keep your date interested in conversation about what's happening in the world or locally. Don't discuss past relationships at the beginning. And be positive. Don't complain about how you're just not able to meet the right one, about how there are no real men (or women) left. You might actually try asking them about themselves. Focus on today without focusing on what tomorrow will bring with this person. If it's meant to be, the relationship will happen naturally. Honest conversation, the sharing of actual events, thoughts and ideas in both of your lives is where a second date comes from. Because of the desire to want to learn more about the other person you naturally want to spend more time together.

In addition to what was mentioned above, adding a few small special effects to your date will bring out the best in the early stages of your relationship while creating lasting memories for the two of you. These "special effects" on a first date can be very small acts of kindness that portray the real you. Many traditions have changed over the years that you may need to reacquaint yourself with. They include showing up in separate cars for safety reasons or separate cabs to eliminate the worry of drinking and driving, double dating, again for safety when not knowing the other person very well, and going dutch to create the feeling of equality between the two of you. There are also a variety of little things that you can do to impress your date.

Whether it's a walk in the park, going to the movies or going to dinner, let your date know if you like how they look, how they dress, or even if you like where you are going. Complimenting the other person on their appearance creates a feeling of inner confidence for that person. And they in turn will feel they can compliment you without making you feel embarrassed.

Simply walking side by side, looking at each other when asked a question and compromising as needed on your first date will make the two of you feel at ease. Compromise about what the two of you do with your time together, let the date be something that the both of you would like to do or see. A good first date might be walking through a fair, going window-shopping, watching fireworks, dancing, or even going to a concert you're both interested in seeing.

Common courtesy is the basis for a great friendship that may possibly bloom into more if nurtured. Do not finish sentences for someone when they are speaking. Keep the conversation balanced by asking questions about the other person's life, ideas in life, and thoughts about what is going on in your surroundings. No matter what sex you are, if the other person is walking behind you, hold the door and allow them to walk ahead of you.

It may be difficult if you're having a good time, but don't try to keep you date out later than they'd like. They may need to be in work early the next morning, their babysitter is costing them a fortune or maybe they're just plain tired.

Using a few of the ideas listed here along with some of your own will increase your chances for successful dating. Revealing your real side and your honesty will be the basis for a solid relationship. Don't forget, the reason for going on a date is to learn more about a person and for developing friendships between people, not to be looking for love around every corner or in every person that you meet