Etiquette for Dating a Millionaire

Patti Stanger, founder and chief executive officer of Millionaire's Club International Inc., knows what wealthy daters want. Bravo's hit show, "Millionaire Matchmaker," follows her experiences setting up eccentric, and sometimes difficult, rich men and women. But Stanger says 99 percent of millionaires aren't as crazy as the ones featured on her show. If you want to date one of those millionaires, whom Stanger says are the "real" ones, tailor your dating approach.

First, look the part. "Men are microwaves, women are crockpots," Millionaire's Club's Stanger says, "A guy knows right away if he's attracted to you or not." Women take a little longer to warm up, but most guys make instant decisions. She compares dating to a job interview times 10. Always look your best, including wardrobe, make-up, hair and fitness. On the other hand, don't dress too flashy because you think that's what a wealthy man wants to see.

"Manners are key," Stanger notes. She recommends presenting respectful body language-smile, make eye contact and pay attention. Thank your partner for inviting you out while you're still on the date. Compliment his choices, whether it's the dessert he ordered or his choice of wine. Stanger also stresses promptness. Never make your date wait more than 10 minutes on you.

Next, ignore your phone. Unless you're on call at a high-pressure job, you have no excuse for frequently checking your PDA. Flashing expensive technology makes you look self-absorbed. Focus on your date, Give him your undivided attention. If you must take a call or check a text, apologize for being rude, and tell your date why it's necessary.

Most importantly, don't talk money. Salary is usually lumped with politics and religion as taboo topics, but this is especially true when your date is wealthy. Forbes' "Special Report: How to Land a Rich Man" notes: "Flirting and fawning are fine, but don't discuss bank accounts." If your date volunteers financial information, you can respond, but don't pump him for more. Allow him to suggest any big-ticket date activities, or else his gold-digger alarms will start blaring. The Street recommends that rich guys spend less than $100 on new dates. Respect his spending choices until he trusts you enough to share more.

If you must end it, do so politely. You've been on a few dates with your millionaire, but you're not feeling the sparks. Turn him down gently and try to maintain a friendship, Stanger suggests. Let him know that you enjoy his company and think he's a great catch, but you're just not feeling the chemistry. He will appreciate your honesty, and might even send one of his single friends your way. However, turning into Mr. Hyde after a date because you didn't enjoy his company earns you a reputation for being high-maintenance and rude. "Nobody wants to touch you. Your status declines," Stanger says.

College Candy: 5 Questions We Ask Everyone-Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger
Forbes: Special Report-How to Land a Rich Man
The Street: 10 Dating Tips for Rich Guys