Keys to Making a Great First Impression

When it comes to dating, all we have to go on are first impressions. So, it's important to put your best foot forward when meeting anyone for the first time. Following are some reminders to help you make the best impression possible:

Keep your excitement in check. Maybe you've been chatting over email or the phone and you're boiling over with excitement about meeting your date. You think that you have a "great connection." As wonderful as this sounds, it's important to keep your expectations in check. You haven't met, and being with someone in person is a lot different from communicating over email or phone. You don't want to come across as aggressive or needy. You may not even be attracted to your date. Take things slowly and don't jump to conclusions about how things will progress. Let it happen naturally.

Play it cool. This is along the lines of the first tip, but just a reminder: don't tell a woman multiple times how beautiful you think she is. This can be considered overkill. It's nice to compliment someone, but don't take it to an extreme, you'll only alienate her and make her wonder if you're sincere. And women: accept a compliment graciously. Don't read into it.

Explain yourself well. Chances are, your date has read your online profile and done a little Google research before meeting you. If there's something you regret saying or doing and it shows up online, be prepared to state your case. (This goes for after meeting, too...don't be tempted to post a comment about your date on your Facebook wall.) Any good employer does reference checks, so it's only natural that your date does, too.

Engage with your date. Let him know you're enjoying yourself by smiling, laughing, and asking him questions about what interests him. This isn't a job interview, but it is a chance to get to know someone by talking with him.

Keep it light. I've spoken about this a lot, but I think it's the most important tip to remember because it's so easy to forget when we get wrapped up in conversation. On a first date, even if you feel a connection, this doesn't give you an excuse to talk about your ex, your political beliefs, or anything else that can invoke your anger or frustration. Respect your date and keep conversation light. Nobody wants to be a therapist or punching bag on a first date.

Know who you are and what you want. You don't have to be aggressive about it, but your date wants to know what your plans are for your career, what your interests are, etc. so be prepared to answer. If you don't know what you want to do, or even what you like doing, they might question your seriousness about dating and life in general. Don't be afraid to let your date know if you're in transition, but let him know where you plan on going.