Dating advice is all over the internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on TV. There’s even an eight year old who wrote a book filled with great dating advice. (That kid is pretty smart and must be really good with the girls, because while basic, all of his dating advice rings true. If you’ve read the book, however, you’d be forced to admit that the eight-year-old boy does know what he’s talking about and he keeps it simple. The important thing in dating is to do just that and not complicate things.

Leave your past in the past. There’s a reason it’s called the past. The first thing any giver of dating advice would tell you is that a fresh start is important for a date to go well. Boring your date with tales of the ex’s misdeeds is a definite no-no. Don’t let old grudges get in the way of new opportunities.

‘Be yourself’ is probably the best dating advice possible. It’s true that people like to put their best foot forward, and impress their date, but if they aren’t their usual selves, not only will they feel uncomfortable, but their date will pick up on the uneasy vibes as well.

Not to expect too much (nor too little) is also good dating advice. If you expect too much from one date or from te person you are dating, it is highly likely that you will be discouraged by the results. After all, your date is only human too and first dates are generally at least slightly awkward.

A question that crops up time and time again is: who should pay? The general consensus of opinion in dating advice circles is that the one who invites, pays. But, others argue that it is always better to go 50/50 every time to avoid embarrassment. Furthermore, there is yet another school of dating advise though, that reasons that a man is not a gentleman” if he doesn’t offer to pick up the bill. The best thing to do in this scenario would be to settle for something that you and your date are both comfortable with.

Probably texting your date before your meeting is smart dating advise as it puts him or her at ease and allows you to discuss interests or hobbies in a much more informal way and less tense environment than your first date would be. That would allow you to use this as common ground when things get awkward (as they generally do on the first few dates unless there is an instant rapport) and get the conversation going again.

Basically, just remember, no matter how much dating advice you have, it’s all up to you in the end. No date is the be-all and end-all, so if one doesn’t work out, never fear, there will be others. No matter how difficult the first date seems, it does get easier until it’s actually fun.

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