First impressions count in the dating game so dress to impress. Make sure you know where you are going and dress accordingly. Spend time making sure that you look smart, but not over the top, and smell good but not over powering. To get ahead in the dating game you have to put in that extra effort. Don’t smoke unless your partner smokes as well and always show consideration to others around you.

Enjoy yourself and have a drink, it will relax you if you find the dating game stressful but take care not to drink too much and make a fool of yourself. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before but I’ll say it again, don’t spend the whole of your date harping on about yourself and not involving your date in the conversation. Make sure you show an interest in what your date has to say, make an effort to find out what they are interested in and what their life is all about.

Look for common interests and common ground and focus the conversation on things that you both find enjoyable. Never forget that sitting there listening to someone prattle on about themselves will prove extremely boring for most people and even more so in the dating game so, if you are inclined to monopolise conversations, train yourself to take a step back, show a genuine interest in others and not just focus on yourself.

Show respect for your date, find some reason to compliment them and show an interest in them even if based on first appearances you don’t feel that they are right for you. The dating game is all about getting to know someone it’s a learning experience that you should utilise to the full, don’t just switch off because your date doesn’t look like you thought they would. One of the most maddening things for me is when conversation is being constantly interrupted by mobile phones. It’s rude and shows a complete lack of respect for the person you are with if you spend the whole evening talking to someone else. On a first date and every date thereafter switch off your mobile phone and give your partner your undivided attention!