Venue
This is your decision, not a joint effort. Many men assume it's gentlemanly to ask a lady where she'd like to go. Wrong. a) Lady already has a hundred pre-date decisions to make and won't welcome another. b) She doesn't want to be responsible for the evening. Instead, suggest an area of London convenient to you both and if she approves, go ahead and book a table.
Do this!
Confirmation
Women respond extremely well to an ETA. Telephoning with your proposed time and place is generally preferred to a text, but keep the chat short. Ideally, she'd like to receive this call the night before, or the morning of the date at the latest. You may think 5pm is a reasonable time to arrange the evening ahead. It ‘s not.
Do this!
The first drink
It goes without saying that you must arrive before her. But don't just sit there, send her a text enquiring what she'd like to drink. This move is clever. First, it sets you up as Mr Suave-Yet-Caring. Second, it allows you to give her your full attention when she arrives, rather than trying to get the barman to notice you.
Only do this if I don't arrange to actually pick her up.
Flattery will get you anywhere
Remember: your date has spent the past three hours staining her shins orange and wrestling with a hairdryer, for your viewing pleasure. So it's only polite to comment. Focus on details, and avoid sleaziness by keeping compliments above the neck or below the knee – shoes and eyelashes are both safe bets.
I wouldn't do that, just a 'you are looking lovely this evening' will do me.
The bill
Frequently the most toe-curling moment of a date. If possible, deal with the bill while she is in the loo – sparing you both her token wallet reach. If not, pay swiftly and discreetly without studying the total. Nothing kills the mood like a man grumbling about service charge.
I either do that, or use an excuse of going to the toilet and do it on the way there.
All in I am a good catch! lol
