So you have procured a date, but you're a little nervous about it. The only details that have been discussed is the exact day you'll be getting together, but no mention of what you'll be doing. Get this established as soon as you can so that you can start planning. Where is the best place to go? What do you wear? What do you talk about?

If it's been a long time since you did this, it can be very daunting. If you're an old hat at it, be mindful of not choosing the same venues that you always rendezvous at. You don't want to be running into a string of men or women you've been out with under similar circumstances!

PLANNING YOUR FIRST DATE

I'm not sure why people choose to go to the movies on a first date. How on earth are you supposed to get to know him or her if you're sitting somewhere that you can't have conversation? Dinner is the obvious choice, but you have to ensure you pick a restaurant that is not too snooty. It's hard enough to relax in this situation as it is, let alone when you're with someone who is unfamiliar. On the other hand, don't go choosing a fast food joint. Honestly, it doesn't exactly send out a positive message, especially to the ladies!

interesting event

If there is something interesting going on, like an art exhibition, craft fair, or sporting event, then that might ease the pressure. You will have plenty of time to talk and ask each other questions, but the distraction of other activities going on around you could lead to interesting topics of discussion that lead you both away from only talking about yourselves.

Of course, one of you could cook dinner and invite the other over to your house. I wouldn't suggest this, however, unless the link between you is a string of mutual friends. It's just a safety rule that we should all stick to, with strangers. If you do take this route, it would be a good idea to invite a few other people over as well and have a small dinner party. Your mates can then check out your potential 'partner' too!

Not that I think you should be completely influenced by them, but it does help to have an objective opinion about the character of a person - especially if it was the person's looks that attracted you upon first meeting! When you do invite said person to eat in your home, find out if he or she has any special dietary needs. You don't want to be preparing meat for a vegetarian, or dishing up seafood when that's what will make him or her break out in hives.

Now on to an appropriate dress code. Don't be too formal. Don't wear anything revealing or too tight, girls. The fellow might assume that you're 'loose and easy', and unless that is really what you'd like to say about yourself, just don't do it. We all want to look sexy and attractive, but showing off every curve or bit of flesh of one's body is not the way to go about it. If you're a little rusty in this area, ask one of your sensible girlfriends to help you. If you're buying a new outfit, explain to the shop assistant what it's for and take note of her suggestions.

WHAT TO SAY

Finally, what can you say on your date? Be yourself. If you're timid or anxious, chances are your date is feeling the same way. Declaring this at the onset might even break the ice. Whatever you do, don't lie or show off. It'll come out soon enough, so it's best to show the real you.

You might think that you're boring, or that your life is not as interesting as his or hers. This is not a competition, and you certainly wouldn't want to start a relationship in this way. Don't you want the man, or woman, in your life to like you for who you actually are? If so, then preparing for a date shouldn't be something to worry about!

Angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com