Even good guys can be a bad date.  Here's what not to do to ensure that all-important second date.

by Holly A. Phillips

It’s easy to fall into a trap of going on awful dates. In hopes of finding a decent evening, here are a few tips for the men. The following six rules are simple, easy, and will take you a long way with women. Here’s hoping.

 

Keep it quiet

 

Your date should never even see your cell phone. It’s rude, annoying and it makes us ladies feel like you don’t want to be on the date with us in the first place. If that’s the case, there’s a different problem entirely.

Tina, a communications senior at Purdue University, said she’s had bad experiences with men using their cell phones during a date. “He was text-messaging people during dinner, which made me think he wanted to be somewhere else instead of with me.”

 

What about me?

As much as the ladies would love to hear about your hippie mother and your old job as a bellhop, save it for a rainy day. Ask your date about her. Get to know her.

Of course, she is interested in you. However, everyone loves to talk about themselves since that’s what we know best. Asking questions about her interests and hobbies will keep the conversation flowing.

Don’t flash your cash

There are some girls out there who are flattered by a gangster roll. However, an intelligent woman is more likely to appreciate you simply paying for the meal. Maybe she does notice a nice car or the shirt you’re wearing but, chances are, a wad of cash will only make her thing you’re a drug dealer.

Don’t feel pressured to prove you have money in the bank. Money and social status go right up there with politics and religion when dating—do not go there. The topic of money might make things uncomfortable, so make it easy on both of you and keep it in your wallet.

 

Don’t say things like “haters”

My last date said there were already “haters” out there who were jealous of me because of the date. He said not to pay attention to these “haters” because they were just envious. First off, no one should’ve been jealous and secondly, girls don’t care about “haters.” What he meant was, all of his other girls on the side figured out his little game and would probably ask about it in the future.

Basically, try to be confident but not conceited. Be proud you’re taking an attractive girl to dinner. If there are other girls swooning over you, worry about them later and keep it to yourself.

 

Don’t host a party

Don’t invite others to sit with us during dinner. You won’t impress your date because you think you know everyone in the building. See someone you know? Say hello and introduce her before getting on with the date. Remember you can talk to your other friends later – say, when she goes home alone.

Chances are, in a college town, you’re going to run in to someone you know during the date. Make it short and sweet, so the attention stays on her. It will make you look polite and considerate; every woman loves a man like that.

 

Don’t make commentary

Keep your mouth shut about your date. Don’t make a statement about the way she eats or what she ordered. Offer compliments and make meaningful conversation, so you can actually decide if a second date is in order.

Mary, a journalism sophomore at Louisiana State University, said comments have caused issues on a date, especially if it’s a first date. “Once, a guy said I was being quiet and kept asking me what was wrong,” she said. “Nothing was wrong, I’m just shy. Him making a big deal about it made it even more difficult to open up.”

 

Dating is meant to be fun, so keep it that way. Be confident and polite—if she agreed to go on the date, she wants to see if there’s something there, too. Good luck!