FIRST dates can be very scary. They’re basically job interviews, but with a panel of one, and slightly better coffee.
And while, as a single man, I sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind, giving advice to other men, I can definitely help single men improve their chances. To me, it seems pretty obvious what to do; or rather what not to do..
Here’s 10 things men should never do on a first date:

1. Try to get her drunk
It’s one thing to be generous, but it’s awful to obsessively top up her glass.
Take a deep breath and relax; you don’t need to be wasted for the lady to find you attractively funny.

2. Get really drunk yourself
Nerves are understandable, but try to stick to a couple of glasses of wine. Because if you don’t, you may end up doing or saying something you will have to regret for a lifetime.

3. Look at your phone more than her
It’s hard to get to know her you if you’re obsessively WhatsApping whoever, and not paying attention to the lady. Now, that’s a dumb move!

4. Talk about yourself the whole time
It never hurts to take along some questions to help you get a balanced conversation. That would naturally engage her in lively conversation, and not contribute to boredom, with you talking about yourself all the time

5. Be rude to the waiter/taxi driver/couple at the next table
Dates can be stressful, but try not to take it out on others. Such attitude will not only shock the young lady, but may have her so horrified she may just make an excuse that she is going to the washroom and never return. If she does not do that, you should not be surprised if she hurries from the car without a good night kiss or a goodbye… Or refuse to take your calls after.

6. Pay with meal vouchers
Way down the line, this is frugal and fine. On a first date, you just look like a cheapskate. So do not ever commit a ‘first date suicide’ by doing this.

7. Talk about your ‘ex’
If a topic comes up and you can’t help but mention them, that’s not so bad. But to continue to rattle on and on about your ‘ex’ is a great turnoff. If you guys are enjoying a cheerful conversation, stick with that. Changing the subject so you can rant about your ‘crazy snob of an ‘ex’ is pretty bad for sure. She’s a woman, too; they tend to feel for their clan.

8. Judge her meal choices
You should be a good judge of her meal choices, because snide remarks about vegetarians, disgust at her wheat intolerance and probably well-meant comments like ‘I like a girl with a healthy appetite’ would be certainly hard to swallow.

9. Say, ‘So, why is a beautiful girl like you still single?’
Don’t ever utter that dudes! It’s an entirely stupid pick-up line, and it can cost you quite a lot. If you do this, then don’t be surprised if she replies, “Because I have a terrible personality, have 12 toes, always kill and eat my prey after mating…”

10. Smell bad
Be sure to turn up for a first date well shaven, showered and pampered with nice-smelling but not overpowering perfume. I don’t think I have to tell you what will happen if you arrive looking filthy, or reeking of sweat and so on.