A Serial Dater's Guide: First Date Dont's

First dates are exciting, wonderful things. Your heart races in anticipation, and your head is in the clouds. You wonder how things will go: will you have fun, and most of all, will you like each other? You want things to go as perfect as possible, but things can become very uncomfortable, and sometimes even downright ugly, with just one wrong turn.

As an ex-serial dater, I have had more than my fair share of first dates. Some were absolutely breath-taking, and some, well, let's just say I'd rather claim amnesia than begin to relive them. I thought it was time to impart a few bits of wisdom to my fellow mate seekers.

DON'T: Be late. It is not fashionable nor cool to keep your already nervous date waiting. The butterflies you feel, they feel too. This just makes an already tense situation more so, regardless of the reason. Arrive on time. This shows that you're respectful, and will make a great first impression.

DON'T: Forget about chivalry. It is not dead, just in hibernation. This applies to both men and women. If he opens the car door for you, lean over and return the favor. Equality is a winner where chivalry is concerned.

DON'T: Go to McDonald's and offer to super size. No joke. This happens, has happened. The same goes for any fast food chain. If you are short on funds, as most of us are in this economy, be creative! Cooking for your date will always win big, and you can either eat-in, or maybe have a picnic at the beach, or at the park, or even in the back of your pick-up truck under the stars.

DON'T: Over-do the good night kiss. No matter how well you feel the date went, the fastest way to guarantee there will be no second date is to over-do the good night kiss by shoving your tongue down your dates throat. No one likes to kiss a fish. There are plenty of ways to express passion through a kiss without trying to reach someone's heart through their mouth. A nice slow kiss is always a safe bet. Follow each others lead, and watch it lead to a second date!

Steering clear of these "Don'ts" will turn that first date into a second, and even a third - and a whole new set of "Don''ts"! Have fun, be safe, and happy dating!