8 First Date Tips for Women
Tip 1 - Don't be negative about dating
Why should a man pursue someone who isn't happy? It's ineffective manhandling to dump your
dating disappointments on bachelor No. 3. Talking to a man about how awful dating is just begs the
question, "Are you in therapy?" Talking to a man about how awful dating is just begs the question,
"Are you in therapy?"
Manhandling Tip: Be a romantic challenge, not a mental health challenge.
Tip 2 - Don't get tipsy
Always maintain enough sobriety to assess your date's character. Practice restraint, and don't have
more than a drink or two when you're out on a first date. Otherwise, how in the world can you
possibly observe him and decide if he's remotely right for you?
Manhandling Tip: Always stay sober enough to remember how naughty you were the night before!
Tip 3 - Don't talk badly about your exes.
I don't care if he cheated on you with your sister, don't recite a laundry list of grievances about your
exes. This will only make you sound unavailable at best, or worse, wounded. Reveal your secrets
when you're both on a beach in Hawaii or, better yet, engaged! Reveal your secrets when you're
both on a beach in Hawaii or, better yet, engaged!
Manhandling Tip: We all have baggage. Keep it in the closet on first dates.
Tip 4 - Don't spook your suitor
Now is not the time to point out your physical flaws. Only bring these complaints to people who can
actually do something about them, and not to men who will now be forced to lie to you if they
possess good manners.
Manhandling Tip: Confidence is sexy! Sometimes, thoughts are for the inside.
Tip 5 - Don't talk about your personal pet peeves
Although your therapist might get butterflies inside when you talk about how traumatized you are by
the staggering number of germs that thrive in public restrooms, the typical male will be horrified.
You'll have violated the sacred air space of "romantic quality time" and these little monologues of
strange pain will be as off-putting as if you started sorting unwashed laundry in a restaurant.
Manhandling Tip: You already know all about you. Keep your problems to yourself and get to
know him.
Tip 6 - Don't chase your date
Never deprive a man of the thrill of the chase. Besides, it's so much fun being caught! A woman can
always initiate a first tea date, but after that, it's up to a man to decide whether he wants to pursue
you. Entice men, play with them, and then release them! Allow men to initiate and take the lead in
moving your relationship forward.
Manhandling Tip: When men chase you, they're much less likely to fly away.
Tip 7 - Don't keep squawking
Don't feel pressured to try to fill up every second with meaningless chatter.
Don't feel pressured to try to fill up every second with meaningless chatter. If the conversation falls
silent for a moment, don't panic, just let it happen. Natural pauses are sexy, and body language can
be so much more powerful than words. Slowly smile at him and breathe. You may be surprised when
he blurts out in the middle of a deliciously pregnant pause, "Come here and kiss me!"
Manhandling Tip: Remember, sometimes less conversation really is more.
Tip 8 - Learn how to leave
Anyone can be pleasant when they're enjoying themselves, but the true test of character is how one
behaves when terribly bored, or worse, treated shabbily. There's nothing to be gained by suffering
through a terrible date, so if you're having an awful time, depart quickly and gracefully, without
being rude. When you're itching to leave, say: "Thank you so much for meeting me. I think it's time
for me to go on home, Jerome. (Smile) Take care." Extend your hand for a quick shake, swiftly turn
on your heel and depart.
Romantic Rule: If you're on date number one and aren't having fun, release men back into the wild
immediately.
Source: Adapted from an article written by Lauren Frances author of "Dating, Mating and Manhandling: The Ornithological Guide to Men,"