For Women: How to Behave on Your First Date

By Penny Harmon

Ladies, it's time to discuss how to behave on your first date. He's asked you out and now you seem to be at a loss on what to do. After all, he's gorgeous and why did he ask you?

The first thing you've got to do is to get that thought out of your head. He asked you out because he wanted to. Nobody twisted his arm behind his back or held a gun to his head. He obviously is interested in you so don't worry about whether he likes you or not. Going out with him is not a test for you. Consider it to be a test for him. Is he worth going out with again? This is your chance to find that out. The first date is your chance to find out if he is worth your time and energy.

When he asks you out, the first thing you should do is ask him either where you are going or how should you dress, formal or casual. You obviously don't want to be dressed in high heels if he plans on going hiking. You also don't want to feel underdressed if he's planning a more formal date. There is nothing wrong with asking so you can feel more comfortable on your date.

Another thing to remember when preparing for your date is not to do anything too drastic with your hair or make-up. He asked you out as you are, so don't feel that he'll like you any better by getting a totally new hairstyle. Also, if you do something drastic, you'll not be at your best. You'll be too busy wondering how good or bad your hair looks or if you did your eyes the way the make-up artist did.

Once your date arrives or you meet at the appointed designation, be yourself. To a lot of people, this is difficult to do. When you're nervous and worried about every little thing, your behavior, including body language will reveal it to him. This is one of the most common things that happen while dating. A woman will be so nervous that she either won't eat or makes herself nauseous. This goes back to he already liked you enough to ask you out, so get over it.

One of the old myths out there is to let the man do the talking and don't talk about yourself too much. This is wrong. I believe you can talk to much but there should be an equal amount of conversation from both parties on the date. Yes, he wants to talk about himself and yes, you should listen. If he does nothing but brag about his accomplishments, you'll know he's self-centered and why bother going out again. If he talks and then ask you questions about yourself or your opinions, you'll know he's really interested in getting to know you. Take the time to watch him while he talks. In order for you to decide whether he is worth anther date, you want to find out whether he is listening or not.

The most important dating advice anybody can give a woman is to completely be yourself. Don't be afraid to eat in front of your date and don't be afraid to give your opinions. The whole dating ordeal is a process of discovery and that includes discovering what you want and don't want in a partner. Now get out there and make yourselves available.