Avoid those awkward first date disasters with our handy guide

D.A.T.E. Four letters, one word, and a whole lot of effort for all involved. Of course, you would have thought the word date would end up transferring to the word we always want to hear, L.O.V.E. Unfortunately to get Love we need to go on Dates, and this means embracing the good, the bad and ugly.

So what exactly makes a good first date? Well men, listen up. The rules are more simple than you'd think.

According to research from Cupid.com women worry about being stood up. So the first step for that all important date is to confirm it is still going ahead. Sounds simple, right? So make a note, guys. We expect you to confirm you're still intending to show, ideally from midday to 4pm. Leave it any later and there's a good chance we'll think you're going to leave us sitting at the bar.

Next step is where you'll meet your dream woman. Where should the beginnings of true love flourish? Almost all men would ideally like to arrange the venue near their date's home. (I wonder what they have in mind then...) But boys, while you may think this is a splendid idea, less than half of us want a first date to take place near their abode. So. How keen do you want to seem? The choice is yours.

Ok. So you've arranged a time and place, she's turned up and you're both looking good. The next step is to make sure you pay your lady a compliment. Trust me, it will earn you proper brownie points, as a staggering 82% of women wait to hear a genuine compliment when they first lay eyes on their man. Stay away from clichés like eyes and smile. They're totally overused and we can see straight through them. Use your imagination, but in case it's not obvious guys, that doesn't mean its ok to say 'your boobs look great in that dress'. Ever.

Whether you've had a quick coffee and a stroll around the park or a romantic meal, you should get a feel for whether you're into each other - if there are no sparks, then it's best to make sure she knows this. Keep things friendly and round off with a handshake, and a call or text the next day to explain.

BUT if it has gone well, the next potential awkward sitch is how you get home. While most of you lads want to walk your date to her door (how very rom-com) over half of us think that's a bad idea. So definitely find out whether she's a fan of a cab journey or romantic stroll up to her front door.

Whether you've taken a taxi or arrived on foot, the last moments of the date are in your hands. Over two thirds of women, a good 71%, want their man to lean in for a kiss. But you'll have to be the judge here. We can't help with this one.

So us girls know pretty much what we want from a date. It's just up to the guys to make sure they follow these simple rules, and hopefully banish bad dates for good.

Call her between midday and 4pm latest to confirm.
Try to pick a place that's an equal distance from where you both live. If in doubt, go with neutral ground.
Pay her a genuine compliment. Avoid boobs, eyes and smile. Try dress or hair.
It's half and half with the walk home. Try to get a feel for how the date has gone. If you're sensing ice, book a taxi for her.
A goodnight kiss will usually be well received, so if you're feeling brave give it a go!


By Amy.