First dates can be very nerve-racking and may leave us shy, silent and blowing our chances of getting a second date because we weren't prepared for the first one. Here are some pointers to help you get the best start and make a good impression.

• Be on time - The last thing you want to do is make a bad impression on your date. If you are late then your date will think that you don't care or that he/she isn't important. Even worse, your date might not hang around for you to turn up.
• Make your partner feel comfortable - We all feel like a bag of nerves on our first date with someone; so by making your date feel comfortable you will be able to also relax and simply enjoy yourself.
• Be an interesting date - The worse thing you can do is turn up for a date with someone then sit there all night with nothing to say or ask! Be prepared to be interesting and to have a good conversation. Show you are interesting (and a good listener) by asking questions that help you learn interesting things about your date. Dress great. Take great care in your hygiene. Don't reveal too much about yourself, but reveal just enough to show the other person that you are interesting and different - in a good way.