Everyone needs a little help in the dating world. If you are a man and want to enhance your chance for a second date with that woman you really like, follow these guidelines.
1. If you are nervous, don't try to hide it. Women adore men who are aware of their own emotions and who are not afraid to share them. A simple, "I have to admit that I feel a little nervous tonight" is endearing. Also, once you acknowledge your own anxiety, it tends to lessen.
2. Give her a genuine compliment, but make sure that it cannot be interpreted in a sexual way. It is risky to tell a woman on a first date that she has sexy lips. It's far better to tell her that she has a pretty face. A man who cannot keep his sexual desires under wraps on a first date may turn off many women.
3. Encourage her to talk about her passions (hobbies or dreams). If you want a rich social life, it's just as important to be interested as it is to be interesting.
4. Don't reveal scary stuff too soon. Women are extremely security-conscious. Hearing about a past addiction or a chronic medical problem on a first date (before she has come to appreciate the depth and quality of your character) is one way to scare her away. Don't expect a woman to feel admiration because you licked a gambling addiction 15 years ago. She is more likely to feel wary.
5. Be on time. People who are late send a message (even if untrue) that their own time is more important than your time.
6. Pay for the first date. Always pay for the first date, and maybe the next two as well. You can discuss financing the relationship later when you know that there will be a relationship. (Pay even when you are not planning to ask for a second date. It's the right thing to do.)
7. Smell good. Women have a stronger sense of smell than men and appreciate a good men's cologne used in the right quantity.
8. Touch her heart. Bring her a small gift if you can think of something cute, clever or profoundly simple (e.g., a toy for her dog or a few flowers).
