Today’s dating advice for women and men, includes ten tips to set you up for success on a first date. Let's say you have been doing online dating during the last couple of weeks you have communicated with someone of interest via emails and several telephone conversations. There is obvious ...Today’s dating advice for women and men, includes ten tips to set you up for success on a first date. Let's say you have been doing online dating during the last couple of weeks you have communicated with someone of interest via emails and several telephone conversations. There is obvious “phone chemistry” and there is a mutual interest in meeting each other. You both agree to meet in person…now for the moment of truth!

1. Visualize Success
Think about your wonderful attributes and not your faults. Take an inventory of your values, skills, talents, interests and “heart”. This is the beauty you present to the world. Leave all your negative thoughts behind at home.

2. Keep Your Expectations in Check
Don't start imagining yourself at the alter with your date. Ask yourself these three relationship questions: Do I like the person? Does the conversation flow easily with one another? Is there any kind of attraction? That's it. If you answer yes to these questions, then be open to seeing the person again.

3. Dress Appropriately for a Date
Be presentable, neat, well-groomed, and in casual dress clothes (unless you are meeting for a hike on your first date). Don't come in dressed to casual in a t-shirt and jeans. Also, do not come dressed to kill by looking overly sexy like you are going to a nightclub. Strive to look like the guy or girl next door; someone who would be proper to bring home to your parents or meet your friends.

4. Be Prepared to discuss Five General Topics
Other dating tips for men and women include preparing a list of topics such as current events; a subject of personal interest such as your volunteer activities, your work or outside work interests; any books you are reading; any movies you have seen lately and favorite sports to watch or participate in. Do not talk about your divorce or your last boyfriend. If you have children, you may talk about them briefly- do not bore your date with hours of stories about your kids.

5. Use Your Values as Your Guideposts
Know what's most important to you and look to see if your date has similar feelings. Pay close attention to anything that makes you uncomfortable-your gut is usually right!

6. Pick a Quiet Place Where You Can Talk
Meeting at a coffee house or a bookstore is best. You may decide to take a stroll outside if it feels right.
Don't get involved in a meal since paying for the meal may become an issue. Also, don't go to a show or a movie where it's difficult to talk.

7. Plan on Spending One to Two Hours Max
The purpose is to see the person and to get a feel of a person. It's best not to drag the date on. Besides, you need to leave some stuff to talk about during subsequent dates!

8. It is Best to Meet During the Day
It is more relaxed to meet in the late morning or afternoon during the weekend. A week day evening is the next best thing. Weekend evenings are too much pressure and feel like a serious date. You may be tempted to do stuff you will later regret!

9. Always be courteous and kind to your date – Even if you are not interested
You never know where you will see him or her again and who his or her friends are. Always treat people the way you wish to be treated.

10. If all goes well
My dating advice for women- be open to going out again. Studies have shown that women have gotten married to men that they were not really interested in at first. Men- trust your gut- if you are not attracted- be pleasant and be honest. Never say, “I'll call” and not call!

By following the above dating tips for men and women you will most likely have a more pleasant first date experience. Hopefully, it will lead to future dates if you so desire!

Best wishes for successful dating in your search for your Get It Right This Time™ Partner!

Author's Bio: 

Coach Amy Schoen is a certified professional life coach and national dating and relationship expert helping marriage minded individuals to find and connect with their true romantic partner for a committed relationship. Discover her Motivated to Marry® strategies in her free e-course “7 Steps to Finding Your True Love Partner” at http://www.motivatedtomarry.com.