If you have an upcoming first date, odds are you’re excited, even if you are nervous about it. You probably don’t want to leave a bad impression on your date in hopes of building a relationship with the person if things go well between the two of you. The following lists outline several important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind any time you are going on a first date.

Things to do on a first date:

1. Be on time. No one likes to wait, and it leaves a bad impression if you’re late. Your date will think that you don’t care. Make sure you show up on time, and if something unexpected happens that is making you run a little late, call your date to let him or her know.
2. Make your date feel comfortable. Your date is probably just as nervous as you, if not more nervous. Help put him or her at ease by breaking the ice and getting to know each other a bit. Once you find something that you’re mutually interested it, it can help get the conversation going and increase the comfort level.
3. Keep the conversation going. Small pauses in conversations are typical. However, an elongated lull is never a sign of a good date. If you’re not great at making conversation with someone you just met, try to think of some discussion topics or interesting stories about yourself before your date begins.
4. Use your manners. Don’t talk with a mouth full of steak, and don’t slurp your spaghetti up to your lips. Your date will undoubtedly be left with a poor impression!
5. Enjoy yourself. First dates are meant to be fun, so make it fun. If you’re the person planning the date, choose a location that offers something that you both enjoy.
6. Be yourself. More than anything, you should just be yourself. You don’t want your date to fall for someone that you’re only pretending to be.

Things NOT to do on a first date:

1. Dominate the conversation. A first date should be an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other. If you don’t let your date get a word in, he or she will probably feel suffocated. Furthermore, it will make you seem disinterested in your date and perhaps even egotistical.
2. Only listen. This point is essentially the opposite of the previous point. Paying attention to what your date is saying is important, but you should be participating in the conversation as well. You don’t want to be silent the whole night, leaving it up to your date to carry on the conversation.
3. Talk about past relationships. The reason to go on a date is to learn about the person you’re with. By talking about an ex, you will make it seem as though you are not over him or her, and your date more than likely isn’t interested in hearing about it.
4. Ask personal questions. If the date goes well, you’ll have time in the future to get to know more about each other. Don’t push your edges or step over any boundaries by asking any personal questions on your first date.
5. Answer your phone. Cell phones are seen by many people to be obtrusive. Many people today let their phones take precedence over anything else they are doing, which can be rude depending on the situation. Although carrying your phone is reasonable in case of emergencies, it should generally be turned off or put on silent mode.
6. Make inappropriate advances. Trying to become too physical too early with someone you are dating can make you seem overly aggressive or even desperate. Stick to flirting if you are interested in the person until it is clear that you are both interested in taking things further.