MY OWN 12 SIMPLE DATING TIPS

I am not an expert at dating nor do i believe there is one. I usually think some advice may work well for one person but not for another. A classic case of one man's meat........ Generally there are some do's and don't that are conventinally accepted... well by me and some few other people that agree. Dates are very important and crucial they give the initial impression of who you are and you definately want to be yourself.

Simple things can determine how good your date can go and this are some of the ones i really feel are basic and should be followed to avoid common dating mishaps...

1. Don't talk too much, a date allows you to find out who the other person is. If you hog the whole time talking about yourself, you may just miss the chance of knowing the person across the table. Listening is a virtue... it shows you are interested in what your date has to say.
2. Baggage. Leave it at the door! This is someone new, a clean slate, do not disscuss your past relationships or heart breaks especially on the first dates. If your date asks, kindly tell him that is a story for another day.
3. Dinning etiquette !! I cannot emphasize this enough,if you can't use a knife and a fork ask for a spoon, eat small bits of foods at any one given time and do not talk with food in your mouth, bad table manners can be a turn off.
4. Eye contact is healthy, but do not stare it can make your date quite uncomfortable, smile and be warm this helps your date be more at ease and not a complete nervous wreck!
5. Don't pick up calls, this is very common especially with Nairobi guys.. (first hand account), if you have an important call coming tell your date early in advance otherwise ignore all the other calls you can always call them back after the date.
6. Guys, please pay for the first date dinner tab! That is what a gentleman would does. Ladies, do not push to pay for the bill, i call it playing the "Independent woman" card.... he asked you out he will get the cheque, don't flinch or even pretend to look for your wallet till he offers ... no no.
7. Flirt, smile, laugh at each other's jokes. Touch his arm, dating is not a business meeting.Don't be too smart (nerd) or too blonde..... Keep it light and fun... complete ticket to a second date.
8. Make an effort to look good. Be smart, be clean and pleasant. It feels so good when you see your date has made time to prepare to meet you. Women splash on some perfume, a bit of make up and  don't dress trashy, modest is the new sexy.
9. Mind your language, do not use offesive words, curse or vulgarity. It shows that you are rude, impolite and disrespectful. This also applies to common pick up lines...
10. Even if you don't like your date, don't be quick to give them a hard time. Your partner is human and, like you, deserves to always to be treated with respect. You can still have a good time hanging out with someone you're not attracted to, so treating them badly just because they're not your type is unacceptable. Rudeness is not allowed.
11. Tell the truth, don't be too secretive put yourself out there abit, it shows you also have weakness and can be vulnerable... its only human, covering up alot does not allow your date know the amazing person that lies inside.

I think with this up your sleeve, you can have an easier time during your dates. Its worked for me. Dating should be fun and cheap to ensure its sustainability over longer period.