Online dating tips are essential if you are going to make the most of your online dating experience. First and foremost is the most important bit of advice you can get. You will never go out on a date unless you ask someone out.

So be bold in order to make that happen. This does not mean being obnoxious, but being brave goes a long way in making you look attractive. This cannot be stressed enough, either. Perhaps the one single greatest trait that people find attractive is self-confidence.

Knowing great dating tips can help make or break that special meeting with someone. So before you head out the door, make sure you have armed yourself with useful pointers to help make this special occasion a memorable one for both you and your date.

Put on a comfortable yet respectable outfit

Whether you like it or not, your outfit will perhaps be the first thing your date will take notice of. So avoid ruining that crucial first impression by wearing appropriate clothing. Steer clear of revealing or too brightly colored outfits. Instead, wear something which not only exudes class but one which you will feel comfortable and appealing in.

Bring a small yet thoughtful token for your date

Whether this is a first or a recurrent romantic meeting with someone, it is nice to be able to present this person with an unassuming gift. Flowers are of course your best bet for this date with a special girl.

Smile sincerely and see it being given back

Once you finally get to meet this person, be sure to give your warmest smile before anything else. Doing so will bring out your friendliness, something which could help you win your date’s favor, even affection.

Initiate conversations but be sure to be receptive

Striking a conversation, especially with someone you’ve only met for the first time, can definitely be awkward. However, this should not stop you from starting something to talk about. Begin with a safe topic such as asking your date’s line of work, pastimes, or favorite authors. Of course, be sure to be receptive to verbal and physical cues. If your date does not seem to appear interested in what you are talking about, even if he or she does not say so explicitly, then change the subject. Better yet, ask your date about what things he or she would like to talk about. This way, you do not end up looking like an insensitive, or worse, completely self-absorbed person.

Be all ears to your date

Once the uncomfortable phase of finding mutually fascinating things to talk about, then make sure to keep the conversation rolling. And the best way to achieve this is to forward pertinent questions. This way, your date knows you really are listening to what he or she is saying.

Inject light-hearted banter every once in a while

Tasteful humor can always be counted on to keep the exchanges relaxed and uncomplicated. So whenever you can, crack inoffensive jokes to get your date to open up and feel comfortable with you.

Do away with conversation killers

Uttering things that effectively put an abrupt stop to a conversation should be avoided at all times. Immediately saying “no” to an unassuming question is an example. After all, your date would not be asking such if he or she already anticipates an outright negative response from you.

Shun away from subject matters that are considered taboo

Be mindful of the topics you infuse into the conversations to ensure you do not end up unknowingly insulting or making your date uncomfortable. Subject matters such as death, and health and diet are a big no-no. Delving in office gossip, especially if the person you are dating works in the same place as you, should be avoided as well.

First dates can be quite nerve-wracking, especially today. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Following a few simple first date tips, whether one is new to dating or has just been out of the game for a while, is sure to have one falling in love in no time at all.

Remember, first impressions last a long time, always plan ahead, the man should take the lead, and perhaps most importantly, one should always be him- or herself.

The first impression one makes is likely to stick around. One wants to be sure that he or she leaves a pleasant impression in the mind of his or her date.

Choosing the appropriate attire is very important. Gentlemen, these means do not wear that suit from 1975 that one thinks is absolutely awesome; and ladies, remember it is okay to leave a little skin to the imagination. Of all first date tips that one will receive from every direction when he or she decides to date again, this is the most important. It is very hard to erase a bad first impression.

Planning ahead is a great way to show one’s date that he or she really is interested in the successful outcome of the evening. Planning ahead shows that he or she cares.

Asking each other beforehand about what the date should entail leaves room for no surprises, which means things should go more smoothly because the events have been planned.

First dates are a way to find out if one wants to have a second date. Both parties should be confident and self-assured, but the female should allow the male to lead the way.

Guys love talking about themselves, so this gives the lady a chance to see what he is all about and lets the man know that she is a good listener.

He should always, however, ask the lady questions 1) to show his interest in what she has to say, and 2) to make sure she is still paying attention.

For a true relationship to work, both people need to be genuine at the start, rather than trying to keep up an act for the sake of having someone. This is the most important first date tip of all. Heed it generously and one should find him- or herself in love in no time.

It seems that these days my fellow sisters are far too happy to be picked by a guy and far too disinterested in doing the picking themselves. It’s pathetic. Why do so many women see themselves as “lucky he picked me” rather than thinking, “Which one will I pick?”

This mentality is also the same one that exists when we see a nice, smart, pretty girl with an absolute jerk. Part of the reason women behave this way has to do with a mentality of “scarcity.” So many women think that you don’t get many chances to grab a boyfriend and that there aren’t enough dating opportunities out there to be too selective. But this mentality only ends up getting women nothing but a relationship that goes nowhere. Too often women with this mindset find themselves in a relationship that will never lead to a real commitment.

How would you feel if you went to the produce market for an apple? You ask the grocer for an apple and he reaches in a pile and hands you one. Would you give any thought to whether or not this apple was sweet or bruised or maybe had a worm in it? Would you feel “grateful” for just having an apple? Wouldn’t you want to pick your apple yourself from the pile of available apples? It seems rather silly when you imagine yourself in a state of blushing thankfulness just to have a random, possibly not very good apple.

If you demanded to pick your own produce, you know that you’d be pretty selective. You probably already have in mind a loose set of criteria that you wanted. And then you’d probably turn over a few apples that you decided to pass on before selecting one.

Now, if you’d give this much attention to the selection of an apple, why wouldn’t you give much more thought to your selection of a man. It really is this simple, ladies. And when you are truly in command of the feeling that you are doing the choosing, you’re not likely to pick the one that’s rotten inside.

But you must own your choosing, see it, and exercise it. This will also force you to take a long look at what you really want in a man, rather than just making do with what strolls by. If you accept that you get to pick your own man, then you know you are one hundred percent responsible for your choice too. You won’t be so likely to pretend you don’t see those “little” flaws or so quick to minimize what should be a giant warning flag.