How to have a perfect first date

Fancy a girl and want to take her out? Are you nervous? Unsure of what to do? In the words of old Franklin D., you have “nothing to fear but fear itself!” Get it into your head that you're doing her a favor, because you are! Follow these tips and you'll both have a great time.

The Purpose of the First Date
The first date is your chance to take a relationship test drive. There is no obligation to buy into it. So don't fret! Don't expect a big make-out session at the end of it, definitely do not expect sex, and DO expect to pay for dinner, and I promise you you'll have a fun time. If this is a girl you barely know, the first date is simply an hour or two together to learn about each other. If this is a girl you've known for a while, it's an opportunity to see how it feels to be exclusive.

Asking her Out
Ask her to meet you on a specific night at a specific place, like this: “Hey ____, would you like to have dinner with me at Café Amore on Tuesday?” Girls don't want a wishy-washy guy, and by being definite you demonstrate initiative and confidence. She'll say “yes,” or “I'm busy that night, how about Wednesday,” or “I'm busy, how about never!” Now, you've either got a date, or you know that she's not the one!

Getting Ready
Be your clean, presentable self. This means: wear a good, pressed shirt, shave, and don't coat yourself in cologne. Think of going to a job interview: you want to demonstrate to the girl that this dinner is meaningful to you, so you are trying to look good. Don't look to serious though, remember that you're out to have fun.

Picking Her Up
Maybe you're picking her up at her place, or maybe you're meeting at the restaurant. Picking her up is gentlemanly, but could result in some awkward pre-date car time. Meeting her at the restaurant keeps you on neutral territory while you are still just getting to know each other. Either way, the single easiest and best thing you can do when you first see her is give her a compliment! It can be as small as “I like your shoes,” or as grand as “your smile makes me feel like a millionaire.” Probably err on the small side for this first one. The compliment puts her at ease, which will put you at ease. It will make her feel special and happy to be in your presence. It's a no-brainer.

Dinner
Try hard to get her to do 75% of the talking. This means: ask her questions, and listen to the answers. Most people like to talk about themselves, and you will make her feel important and interesting if you are curious about her life. Also, it will keep her curious about you, because after it's all over, she'll start thinking of all the things she forgot to ask you, and she'll want to see you again.

Order something to share. Get an appetizer that you both enjoy, or have something like pizza for your main course. Sharing your meal is an easy way to get close to each other quickly and comfortably.

Pay for dinner! Expect to pay for the whole thing, and don't even think about letting her pick up the tab. Understand this going in and pick your restaurant budget accordingly. You don't have to spend the rest of your relationship paying for everything, but it is essential that you pay for that first dinner.

After Dinner
This part is tough. You may have hit it off; you may have had a nice time but haven't found any true sparks; or you may realize you have nothing in common and you can't wait to be rid of each other. The safest bet is to take her home and drop her off. If you like each other, you'll plan on doing something together again soon. It's important not to blow your stack on that first date; you want to keep some tension and interest in this brand new relationship.

To kiss or Not to Kiss
Ah, the grand finale. You are probably very nervous about this good-night kiss thing. Remember: She is too! The best thing you can do is to take the lead with authority. Try this: at her door, say, “I had fun tonight.” She'll hopefully say, “me too.” Now, hold her shoulders and kiss her on the cheek. And don't be bashful, and don't expect anything more at this point. If you two are meant to be, then there will be plenty of making out to do later. For this first date though you want to keep her curious about you. A kiss on the cheek is gentlemanly, shows restraint and composure, and will probably leave her wishing for more. What a perfect way to leave things!