How to succeed on your first date?

Follow these simple first date etiquette tips and you'll greatly improve your chances of securing the all-important second date:

1. Keep the date short No need to map out the rest of your lives together. Start with a simple, 1-2 hour lunch date. If things go well, you can always extend the date.
2. Be Punctual There’s no greater sign of disrespect than being late for your first date. Get directions to your location and arrive early.
3. Dress Code There is no need to splash out on new clothes, please wear something that you feel comfortable with and looks good in. Also make sure it suits the venue.
4. Compliment, But Don't Over Do It A few nice words makes everyone feel special, but persistent comments about the other person's looks, personality, body, etc., gets old and can seem desperate.
5. Balance Talking and Listening Pay attention to the amount of time you spend talking versus listening. If the scale is weighing in either direction, look to balance it out.
6. Avoid discussing: Ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, issue from past relationships, why my job is boring, how hard you party the night before. Don't talk about marriage and kids and long-term plans for the two of you on your first dates.
7. If you're concerned about topics of conversation, be sure to read a newspaper or watch a news program that day so you're up on world events.
8. Tell yourself you're not nervous, just excited.
9. If your date compliments you don't just brush it off or say something rude about yourself, say thank you and do NOT put yourself down.
10. Stay away from someone who only talks about money and 'things' or who boasts - usually signs of deep-seated insecurity.