First Dates: You hate them and love them. The possibility of what it could lead to is exciting The butterflies that form a knot in your stomach? Not so much. To put those butterflies at ease, here are 9 first date do’s and don’ts that will transform you into a dating pro.

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1.) Talk to Your Date
You would think this one is a given but I’ve heard a couple first date horror stories where their date would hardly talk to them:
If you aren’t sure where to start, click here for 50 first date conversation starters.
2.) Don’t Just Talk About Yourself
When you’re nervous, it can be easy to only talk about yourself. However, it can give your date the wrong impression.

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3.) Look Nice
You don’t have to come in a suit, but dressing up a little shows your date that you really care.
4.) Don’t Be On Your Phone
You’re on a date to get to know someone. You can’t do that if you’re staring at a screen.
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5.) Be Chivalrous
Chivalry doesn’t have to be dead. Nothing will warm your date’s heart more than pulling out her chair or opening the car door.
6.) Don’t Talk About Super Serious Stuff
Wanting a future filled with marriage and kids is great–it just isn’t a great idea to bring that all up when you’re first getting to know each other. It can scare your date off.
7.) Don’t Talk About Your Ex
I cannot stress this one enough. Bringing up your ex on a date is a good sign to your potential partner that you are not quite on the market emotionally yet. Plus, it’s a buzzkill.

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8.) Be On Time
In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than being late. It gives your date the impression that you don’t care.
9.) Don’t Order Any Messy Foods  
You don’t want to go in for that first kiss with chili cheese fry breath, do you?
(Side Note: It’s always good to have a couple mints on hand!)
Read this list. Study it. Memorize it. Become it. (Okay, maybe not that last one.)  But, seriously, following this list can save you from a lot of mistakes people tend to make, and it will have you nail that first date.

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