3 Tips For A Great First Date

Everyone knows that first impressions count...but what exactly makes a good first impression on a date? Is it your ability to choose the perfect Indian restaurant? Is it your skill on the mini golf course? Is it your smooth way of getting your arm around her shoulders at the movie theatre by pretending you're stretching?

Although I'm sure some women will be impressed by your ability to sink a ball into a clown's mouth through a rotating windmill, the secret to making a killer impression on a first date goes far beyond your putting prowess. Here are 3 tips for scoring a second date:

1. Think outside the dinner-and-a-movie box. Dinner dates are fine, but very high pressure. Think about it: does sitting across from one another, with nothing better to do than watch each other chew and stress out over coming up with new conversation topics, really sound like a fun, memorable first date? No, it doesn't.

Instead, do something that shows that you know who your date is. Ask yourself what you've gotten to know about her so far - What does she enjoy doing? What are a few of her likes and dislikes? What is she passionate about? Planning a date that is tailored to her interests is the first step in making an unforgettable impression.

2. Have a plan. Nothing says 'boring' quite like asking a woman on a date, then asking her what she wants to do. Utilize her input if she volunteers it, but don't leave the planning up to her if she doesn't. Making a plan and implementing it puts a host of attractive qualities on display, like confidence and decisiveness.

Tip #1 comes in here, too. Making a plan - a plan to do something that's really in tune with who she is, that says that you "get" her - shows that you've listened to everything she's told you about herself, and that you're genuinely interested in that person.

3. Arrange a second date. I know, I know...that seems obvious. But you'd be surprised by how many people wind up stuck at the first date because they fail to follow up properly. If you had a good time, and she had a good time, why wait? Ask her out again at the end of the first date - and bonus points for inviting her to do something related to your conversation during date one.

A good first date can be summed up in just a few words: leadership, creativity, and confidence.