Don't believe 'everything' you hear or all that you see 'cos if you are old enough to date then you should be old enough to know - everything that glitters is not gold.
Now that doesn't mean that you should go for a date with 'distrust' written all over you - leave your righteousness at home, but carry your common sense with you. Loosen up, be friendly and enjoy yourself (after all that's the sole purpose of spending time together).
Go beyond the gloss - be yourself, don't spend the time discussing the weather and smiling at each other. By the end of the day, if all you know about him is his name and the number of teeth he could possibly have, then sweetheart, you don't need me to tell that you're destined to be perfect strangers forever
So the key word is 'communicate', share your interests. If you vibe well and you can strike up a lively discussion, then the date hasn't been wasted - you've gained a friend.
Good manners aren't just for school but for life - Be polite and appreciative - courtesy is cool - everyone appreciates it. (If he doesn't, what more can we say? The ultimate decision is yours and ofcourse 'taming the barbarian' is a challenge that some of us just can't resist. Our best wishes are with you - after all noble savages are known to exist but seriously, think it over once again.)
The golden maxim girls: 'never date more than one guy at a time' is sad but so true. If they turn out to be friends, you're in trouble - if they're enemies, you're in trouble, apart from this coincidental hazard there can be practical hitches too - it can be totally confusing at times - mixing up dates, interests, names - boy it only gets worse.
If a person who doesn't exactly look like a Greek God, seems to be a good guy and is fun to be with, give him a break (no, I don't mean a B-R-E-A-K, give him a 'chance' Pay attention to his finer points). You always have an option 'have fun with an intellectually stimulating partner' or learn to place a dumb Greek God on a pedestal and worship him.
Talk to his friends nicely when he introduces them to you, make him feel proud of you. Don't ever criticize him in front of his friends.
If he asks you about your interests and your life, it does not mean that you give him your Family Tree and the stories of their lives. C'mon, the guy's just asked you for a date, he does not intend to chronicle your family history. Find some mutual interests, ask him his opinion, listen to his comments. If he commences on his family saga, its fine if you're interested but if you're not - just don't yawn in his face. Try and change the topic if doesn't work, grin and bear it - at least you know what you'll get, if you plan a second date with him - Probably a Sequel.
If he bristles every time you mention your friends who happen to be boys or glares at you when you smile at that goodlooking neighbor, imagine the kind of life you're going to share and if you value your independence, wait! don't run…..yet. Subtly but surely assert your freedom, maybe he's got a reason. If there's one you'll find out in course of the date and if there isn't, well you know your priorities.
If he criticizes your choice of food or clothes, then this one is a definite 'No go'. After you've decided to accept him as he is, if he is still concentrating on what you should wear to please him - you're going to end up with a nag if you don't take care.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, just don't drink too much. You might end up with a headache and a possible heartache the next morning.
Honesty is the name of the game. If the person is genuine enough he is going to appreciate an honest conversation (no one likes to find out that he's been had). Fake foundations tend to crumble in the long run. Lies or false appearances aren't going to lead you anywhere 'cos romance thrives on trust.
