Ten things you must get right if you want to be her Mr Right

 

Despite the drastic changes in society over the past half century, dating rules have remained relatively unchanged. There are still a few basic things that a guy is expected to do if he wants to get started on the right foot with a woman. The problem is, with such a shift in gender-roles in many other walks of life, it can sometimes be difficult for a guy to know what is expected of him in the early stages of a dating relationship. Here, we outline a few crucial things to remember if you want your date to go well.

 

1. Be an early bird

 

Being early gets you more than just the worm. Taking care to arrive at a destination before your date not only allows you to gain your composure and get comfortable but it also shows her that you are taking the meeting seriously and that you are reliable.

 

2. Dress to impress, not depress

 

Make as much effort as you can with your appearance, it won’t go unnoticed. Don’t turn up in your work clothes even if the date does take place immediately after work. Remember your Mother’s advice and always have clean hands and try to smell nice.

 

3. Have impeccable manners

 

Always open the door for your date and stand to greet her and pull out her chair if she is to be seated. If you are meeting over a meal, always let her order first and, if your food arrives before hers, wait for her to be served before you tuck in. You may feel cheesy doing this but chivalry is a highly rated quality amongst all women.

 

4. Never assume

 

If you meet at the cinema, always consult her before picking a show, don’t just assume that she will like to watch the latest chick-flick. In the same way, if you share a meal, never order for her or second-guess whether she would like coffee or dessert.

 

5. Give it your all

 

Although it sounds obvious, listening is just as important as speaking and your body language needs to confirm that you are interested in what your partner is saying. Make lots of eye contact, ask questions and smile.

 

6. Expect to pay

 

Although it may be ok to split the bill further into a relationship, when you are in the early stages of dating, most women would expect the man to foot the bill. Don’t make a show of it, just do it and if she protests, let her know that you are happy to do so.

 

7. See her home safely

 

Some women may feel threatened if you offer them a lift but do call her a cab and settle her into it. If you want to earn extra brownie points, you can even go the extra mile and pay for the cab in advance.

 

8. Take a rain check on that coffee invite

 

If she suggests that you come back to her place, regardless of how tempted you are it is almost always better to decline. Let her know you appreciate the invitation but never extend physical contact beyond a kiss on the cheek on the first date.

 

9. Be appreciative

 

Always thank your date for spending her time with you (even if you didn’t enjoy yourself). Remember, there are other things she could have been doing but she chose to see you instead. Elementary but often forgotten.

 

10. If you say you’ll call her, do it

 

You can get everything above just perfect but if you don’t follow up with a phone call when promised, you might as well have not bothered. If you don’t intend to pursue the relationship, be honest but don’t make false promises; you will only let yourself down and make things harder later on.