Don't neglect your hygiene

Some of the most basic things that should be done are also among the most important ones as well. And while most men know that these things are good for general use, sometimes it's good to have a reminder to help out. Perhaps one of the most obvious and also most overlooked things is to be well bathed. When you are going on a date, especially if it is a first date, you need to make sure that you are clean. There is an instant message of something wrong if you haven't shaved in a while, you smell bad or look like you fell in a puddle of mud. And if it's your first date, she isn't going to answer the phone when you call to ask for a second one. Just imagine what you would think if she showed up in her tatty pair of jeans with a greasy t-shirt that smelled like old tires and matted dirty hair while you were having a nice dinner and wine at a fine Italian restaurant. Not too appealing, right. She probably has a similar expectation for you. It's a good idea to take a second shower on the day you have a date if you have time, and you should at the very least spiff yourself up and make sure that things are where they are supposed to be. Remember also that just because what you are wearing is clean, doesn't mean that it is a good choice for a date. Make sure that the clothes that you do wear are well tailored and that the style of your outfit matches the occasion. If you need to, shave again and put on some nice aftershave too. It's very difficult to see past your appearance so make sure that you look the way you would expect her to look. Also be aware that smoking is one the best ways to scare off a date who is not a smoker herself. If you are looking for a relationship with a woman who does not smoke, you better get with it and find a way to kick your habit now.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to be on time. This is a good practice for use in all areas of your life, but especially important on the dating scene. Being late sends all kinds of messages that you don't want to send. If you don't show up on time, or don't at least let her know that you are running late, she will assume that the date isn't really very important to you and that in turn, she isn't important either. As some people say, "5 minutes early is on time". And again, this is a good rule to keep with all your appointments. Another aspect of time is that you shouldn't be too early either, especially if you are picking her up at her place. Be on time.

Chivalry hasn't gone out of style

It's also an expectation that you are a gentleman. You should open the door for her and offer to pull out her chair. It is also important to be polite to her and to any other people that you may need to interact with while on the date. Being rude to her or anyone else lets her assume that your kindness is not really sincere and that you would not be caring later on. Women also like to feel special by receiving compliments and kind words, but don't overdo it and make her feel like she can't be independent either. Be polite in conversation too and don't interrupt when she is speaking or get distracted. Listen to what she is saying and make sure that you have something worthwhile to say too. She will also like compliments. Tell her that she looks lovely, because she spent a lot of time getting herself that way. She wants to be appreciated and compliments are one of the best ways to express yours. Another good rule is to compliment when appropriate but not to overdo it. If you compliment her too much, she will assume that you are sucking up or want something or that you are trying to be manipulative and are insincere. She needs to feel like you are attracted to her and not just what she is wearing or her hair color.

Get a job

Weather or not a woman is willing to admit it; a man's job is a crucial component to his attractiveness. Women are not necessarily only going to be interested in the multi-millionaires, but you can bet that they are not looking for the couch potato who still lives in his mom's basement. Having a good job is important to a woman because it shows that you have initiative and the ability to provide for her. Women like to be pampered and if all you can afford is to take her to the Dairy Queen for a blizzard, don't hold your breath waiting for a second date. Ambition is not enough unless it has been applied and you have something to show for it. If you are not taking your future seriously, you can bet that the woman is not going to be taking a future with you seriously either.

Know your stuff

Most of us have been on a date or two where the awkward silence just seemed to completely extend the length of the date. When you run out of things to talk to while out with a woman it is like hitting a brick wall, very hard to recover from. Avoid this situation by keeping up to date with current affairs and thinking about topics that would be good conversation starters before the date even starts. Think of the things that you know most about. If you travel, think of something that you can talk about regarding the places that you have been. You should be expert on yourself and your childhood, think of an interesting vacation that you went on as a child or a topic that you feel passionately about.

Listen

Naturally, having something to talk about is only part of what you need to know about having a good date. You also need to give your date a chance to voice her opinions. This can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you get going on a topic that you like talking about. Remember that chances are that the reason why you went on this date in the first place was not so that you could hear the sound of your own voice, but so that you could get to know the person that you are out with. Remember that listening to what a woman has to say is not only polite but your date will appreciate that you care enough about her (even if it is nothing more than caring because she is another human being) to give her the time to say what she has to say and feel like she is at least being listened to. Also, listening takes on a whole new level of importance if you want a second date. You need to also remember the things that she has said and look for ways to apply what she has said in the past to what she may be saying now. This shows a woman that you were not only listening to what she was saying, but you showed enough interest to remember as well.

The issue of payment

Although chivalry is not dead, taking a woman out today is very different from taking a woman out twenty or even ten years ago. Women want the best of both worlds. They want to be pampered, but they also want to feel empowered. This can be very confusing for a man and there is no easy answer for how you can reconcile these conflicting issues. But as far as payment goes, there are some suggestions that can help you to make the process easier. As a general rule, you should assume that you are the one who will be paying for the date. If she lets you pay, go ahead and pay. If she protests and says that she would like to pay, meet her half way and offer to at least pay for your half of the bill. Usually a woman will not press the issue beyond that (i.e. insist that she pays for both meals or show tickets).

Saying goodnight

There are generally two components to the "doorstep" scene that make men uncomfortable; the good night kiss and the request for another date. When it comes to the kiss at the door there is no easy answer. The best bit of counsel is to let the woman make the first move. If she does not rush inside or sends you signals with her body language that she is interested, you may want to take the risk and lean in for the kiss. As far as letting her know whether or not she can expect to hear from you again, honesty is generally the best policy. If you do not plan on calling her again, don't tell her that you'll call her. It is as simple as that. Most women are able to assume that if you did not give any indication that you would be in contact with her again; that the date didn't go as well as you had both hoped.