First Dates

A first date... its new... its refreshing... most importantly it's suppose to be FUN!

Remember though... don't spill your guts all on one date... leave a little mystery. It makes things appealing and if there is a second date... go on and continue. If you are a serious person, loosen up a bit and just go with the flow of things

This actually applies to life in general - never have expectations when you go into something (new years especially - the most overrated holiday - minus the fact if its your birthday!) If you have a certain set of expectations going into something like a first date... about 80% of the time you are going to let yourself down... it could be something minor like leaving toast crumbs in the butter (if you have a breakfast date)

It's good to go in with an open mind - however look out for warning signs - they way your date talks to others (waiters, waitresses, movie ushers) a friendly demeanor is a shape of a sphere - not a half ass cookie. The way your date talks to you, the eye contact, is there any signs of put downs?

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be... your perception will kick in...

Our friends even though they want the best for us... if there's a reason why you shouldn't be dating... do yourself a favor and don't do it. Save yourself your time but more importantly don't waste the time of others. Be selective of your time - it's one of those things - you just can't get back.

Or...

- If you are hung up on an old crush
- If you are freshly out of a relationship and you feel heartache - if you don't then by all means go out and mingle

My take is... if I'm not excited ... if I'm calling up a best friend and belly aching ... chances are I'm not ready to date... so keep that in mind. I don't like having my time wasted if I go on a date and my date isn't "all there" again its a TIME WASTER.

If the question of relationships comes up - keep it light and simple, there is no need to go into full blown details (most of the time those stories can be downers) there's plenty of time if you two hit it off to talk about relationships

Hobbies are always a safe bet - especially if you two have opposite hobbies - take this as a sign where you can LEARN something - if the date doesn't work out... at least you learned something new.

Movies and Music - another safe bet... good time filler

An embarrassing story - this normally works in my favor simply because it shows I can laugh at myself...but if it's something gross (like the time I got my pooped on by a seagull on 6th grade picture day) save that when your away from food... it may seem harmless but you never know someone's stomach sensitivity.

Religion and Politics - One can dabble but don't go too deep... sure this can be a part of someone... but maybe it's something you want to hold back on ... I call it a hit or miss topic...leave at one question at most...but if you can do without it on the first date ... then just let it be

Family - covering the basics (number of siblings, parents, places you've lived or moved to with your family)

Travel - Travel stories are always fun ... or places you would like to go... maybe they been there and could offer you some advice... For example... I want to go to Iran but I realize I need to apply for a visa (that can take up to three months)

School - The best stories usually comes from interesting classes you took... be unique... I once had a date that took a voice-over class... so that leads to my next question "what kind of voices can you do?"

Sports - Pending whether you like to play them or watch them - this could set up your second date to go bowl, shoot some hoops or watch a game... if you don't like sports... forget the topic

Happy Dating :)