Want a Second or Third Date? Try these Tips.

First impressions are key when dating, but so is follow-up. If you had a great first date, there is no guarantee that it will go anywhere without some effort. When you are getting to know someone, it's necessary to take the extra steps if you want your new relationship to progress.

Following are some tips to keep in mind:

• Show genuine interest. Many people aren't fans of game playing and acting coy. If you are interested, show with your actions. Be engaged in conversation: listen and ask follow-up questions. Be careful not to get carried away and fire question after question though...nobody likes to be interrogated. Listen and engage.

• Pay attention to body language. There are clear signals we send out to let our dates know whether or not we're interested, although sometimes we don't even realize what we're doing! If you cross your arms, sit back in your chair, or keep looking away, chances are your date will take note and assume you're not interested. However, if you lean forward in your chair, laugh and make eye contact, your date is more likely to notice your attraction.

• Guys: compliment her, but don't go overboard. Even if she is the most beautiful woman you've ever seen, please don't share this with her again and again. She's likely heard it before from other men and won't be impressed. Instead, compliment her on something that you find unique about her...the way she tells stories, or the gesture she makes with her hands when she laughs. This shows you are paying attention.

• Don't let your cell phone distract you. If you tend to check emails, Facebook, or Twitter every few seconds out of sheer habit, don't tempt yourself. Turn your phone off and put it out of sight. It won't endear you to your date if you are constantly distracted by texts and tweets.

• Follow up. When you end the date, tell him you had a nice time, or tell her you look forward to seeing her again. Don't play games and say "I'll call you" if you have no intention of calling. Also, don't follow rules like waiting 3 days to call again. If you are interested, follow up quickly or you risk losing your love interest.