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How to ace a first date

Make a lasting first impression that has him yearning for Date #2.

By Heather Camlot

There's no question about it; a first date is a stressful and awkward experience. With all the pressures of coming up with witty conversation, using the right body language and subtly licking your teeth to remove any stray bits of food, it's easy to forget why you've submitted yourself to such torture. Ah, love.

Stay focused, ace that first date and maybe score a second with the following tips:

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Go somewhere new
If you're nervous about conversing for two hours, opt out of a dinner date and go for something a little more unconventional, like a hike or an art gallery tour. "I prefer a date that's out of the ordinary. Dinner or meeting for drinks or coffee is so rehearsed," says Jeff Waldman, a general manager for sales and planning in Toronto. "The silliness of a cheesy game of mini putt, on the other hand, would tell me more about someone than any ‘traditional' date." Even if you don't hit it off, at least you had a fun night out.

Dress for success
First, dress comfortably – wear an outfit that makes you feel fabulous and gives you confidence. Second, dress appropriately – if you don't know the code, call ahead or ask your date. Third, dress to impress. "But don't be too revealing – you want to show him that the date matters to you. Don't distract him to the point that he only has sex on the brain," says Rebecca Rosenblatt, a certified relationship and sexuality therapist, and host of Between the Sheets on W Network. "A slight peek-a-boo – an exposed cleave as you bend down to pick up something, an exposed waist as you stretch -- raises curiosity better than letting it all hang out."

Be respectful
First impressions count, so it's imperative to be on time, well-groomed, polite and in the moment. "What turns me off are people who come directly from work," says Howard Wiseman, who works in management in Montreal. "I guess they won't have the time for other things in life." It's also important to pay attention to your date -- don't glaze over or check out some hottie in the corner. And don't have friends standing by to get you out of a bad situation – it's always an obvious ploy that leaves you looking like a snob and your date feeling humiliated and insulted.

Things to avoid on the next page!

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