For Men: What Not to Do on a First Date

For starters, don't suggest a chick-flick. We will secretly be questioning your manhood. And if you do slip up and take her to a tear-jerker, for goodness sake do not cry. Your buddy may have told you this is a great technique to get the girl to think you're sensitive. Your buddy lied. He's just trying to take you out of the competition. Suggesting a chick-flick on the first date is much like using a dog to find a girl at the park.

While we're on the dog walking pick-up line subject. If you use this technique, we can see right through you. And if you do break down and try this, at least do your homework. Find out what kind of dog you have, the dogs name (that dog should actually respond to the name) and how old the dog is. We will ask.

When taking a girl out to dinner on a first date, do not use a coupon. Save the coupons for later when first impressions aren't important. Ladies like a man that's good with money. But a two-for-one coupon right after 'Nice to meet you' triggers a knee-jerk reaction in us. Is he that cheap? Does he think that's how I rate? Yes, we women are motive questioners.

Do not talk about your mother constantly. Yes, we all want to date a guy who likes their mom. We've all heard how a man treats his mother is indicative of how he treats his wife and girlfriends. We get the picture and we appreciate it. But, if more than half your sentences start with, 'My mom', big red warning signs flash in our minds.

Do not take a bath in after-shave or cologne just before the date. Trust me; a little goes a long way. A good indication that you may be wearing too much cologne is the way your date's eyes are watering up. For the most part, we like the way guys smell. Don't go overboard.

Do not check out other women on the date. This really should be at the top of the list. I don't care if Sports Illustrated is having a photo shoot right outside the restaurant window. Have some self-control. She'll respect you more, and you never know she might be the one.

Don't expect anything at the end of the date. As archaic as it sounds, some men still believe that because they took you out and paid, they are entitled. I pay to go see Johnny Depp and George Clooney at the movies, but they don't head over to my house after and feed me grapes while rubbing my feet. Just don't expect it.

The single most important thing a man can do on a first date or any date for that matter is be himself. Nothing forced or faked. Just be real.