Smile!
eHarmony.co.uk has come up with the top ten lists of both good and bad things to do on a first date. Most people are in fact managing to maneuver around these pitfalls with second dates soaring to nearly 50%, however some still need to be set straight when it comes to what to do and what not to do to secure that follow up meeting.
Jemima Wade, spokesperson for eHarmony, added: “First dates can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time, but they’re really just about getting to know someone better and finding out if you’re truly compatible. At eHarmony, we match people on our 29 dimensions of compatibility – the things that really matter such as your values, behaviours and characteristics – so you can be sure even before you even head out on your first date that your match will give you butterflies.”
A lot of dates are now arranged over the web, so there is an opportunity to get to know the person you will be going out with better. With an average of 15 days spent before the first get together, people have already learned a lot about their date, more so than meeting through mutual friends. 
Relationship expert Sloan Sheridan-Williams commented on the research: “It’s often the simplest things that make the biggest difference on a first date – smiling being one of these. Subconsciously we’re more attracted to a smile than a frown; as well as being more inviting it’s also a sign of a relaxed demeanor and low stress levels. We tend to be attracted to people who we feel will bring something to our lives. With so much choice these days thanks to online dating and being more transient – be it living in different towns or even countries – we’ve become more skilled at honing in on what will satisfy our emotional and physical needs, which in turn is leading to better quality dates." 
Top ten date faux pas:
Being rude to staff- What if your date had a job as a waiter or a bartender? Are you being judgmental about their past? You should treat everyone the same- it’s common courtesy.
Checking your phone- Your date will think that they are not interesting or engaging enough.
Talking about your ex- It shows that you are not over them and that you are comparing them to your new date. Wipe the slate clean and give them a fair chance.
Swearing- Swearing should be saved for when you are very angry and that is all- using it as a filler in conversation is not attractive.
Showing off- If you have a successful career- good for you- if you seem to have the luck of the Gods- great- but there is no need to rub salt in the wounds if your date has had a harder time of things. Modesty is attractive, gloating is ugly.
Ask about their weight- Would you want them to ask you? As a woman this is one of the most forbidden questions- so just don’t.
Refusing to pay half- You should never expect someone to foot the whole bill- you should always be prepared to pay half so make sure you have enough in your purse to cover your courses.
Being late- This gives the impression that they are an afterthought or that you might be blowing them off- which is cruel for the most confident of people but will really hurt someone if they are not very self-assured.
Checking appearance- It’s important to look good on a date- but if you can’t get into the conversation because you are checking yourself out in your phone or going to the toilet every 5 minutes to look in the mirror, you are wasting precious time.
Coming on too strong- You want to seem interested but not to the point of finding out what your kids will look like over the internet.
First date must dos:
Smile- Smiling makes you look happy and people naturally gravitate towards people who enjoy life.
Offering to pay the bill- They might not take you up on it but it’s always polite to suggest.
Wear perfume- It’s great to have a signature scent because when you are not around them, if someone else is wearing your smell, it reminds them of you.
Arrive early- It shows that you are eager to get the night started and you can scout out the venue.
Telling jokes- Perhaps avoid the more extreme ones but a few one liners to get your date chuckling is a great ice breaker.
Dress well- If you buy new you might be constantly adjusting your unfamiliar clothes and get distracted- why not wear something you feel confident in but that you have worn before so you won’t spend the night fidgeting.
Talking about friends- Taking about friends shows that you are not self-absorbed and have meaningful relationships with other people.
Talking about pets- Try not to come across as a cat lady, but demonstrating you have a soft spot for something small and cuddly shows you are a caring person.
Talking about your parents- The relationship you have with your parents is very important because they are often an example of the attitude you have towards relationships. If they have been together forever and are still in love, chances are you are looking for the same.
Speaking another language- Speaking other languages is seductive because you could say anything you wanted to them and they wouldn’t know. It gives you the opportunity to tell them things that might be too bold for a first date- like that you want to kiss them or that you are very attracted to them.
tagged in First Date eHarmony