10. Your interest in her.
You don't want to be panting like a dog at your date's feet, of course. But if she doesn't know you're interested in her, she may shy away from you before you get the chance to show her. Touch her lightly, give her a gentle compliment, and let her see that you like her. If she can be sure that you're interested, she'll be much more likely to open up and show her interest in you.
9. Confidence and leadership.
Women don't want a man who orders her around like that house elf from Harry Potter. But that doesn't mean that women generally want to take the reins on a date. Choose the venue and order the wine with confidence-- there's nothing sexier to a woman than a man who knows what he wants.
8. Mutual physical attraction.
This is another sticky point for guys on dates-- especially first dates. It's important throughout the date to establish some kind of a mutual physical connection. Test the waters by touching her forearm or shoulder. Watch to see if she touches you back, and for how long. Feel like you've got something physical going? It probably means it's okay to try for a goodnight kiss. If you don't, she'll probably end up wondering what's wrong.
Watch for an opening: if she lingers and stays close to you at the end of the night, she probably wants that kiss.
7. Consideration.
Just because modern women don't want or need to be taken care of every moment doesn't mean they don't like a man to show a little consideration. Something as simple as noticing her water glass is empty and asking her if she wants a refill can convince her you're a wonderful guy. Really.
6. No bragging.
I'm not sure how many times I've written about this in articles about dating and internet dating, but I'm sure this isn't the last time: please don't brag. Most women can't stand men who brag about their looks, their possessions, or their accomplishments. It makes you look egotistical and not very interesting. It also ensures that the only women you'll be able to attract are the ones interested in your more superficial aspects rather than who you are. It's okay to mention something you're proud of-- but keep it to a minimum, and don't expand on it unless she asks.
5. An introduction.
This is another element of the whole consideration thing. If you're out with a girl and run across somebody you know, introduce her by name. If you don't, she's going to end up wondering why... and not feeling too good about your feelings for her.
4. Balanced attention.
When on a date, this is often the hardest one for guys. Women want you to notice that they look good --after all, they got dressed up especially for you-- but they don't want you drooling over them. Give your date a creative compliment ("that dress makes your eyes an incredible shade of green" or "you are unbelievable gorgeous," delivered with a cocky grin). Make her feel good, then leave it at that. The rest of your compliments should be focused on her personality or intelligence rather than her looks.
3. The right amount.
Some women like to go Dutch on a date. But if you're buying, spending the right amount is important. If the dinner is too expensive, it's going to make her feel awkward (especially if you've just met on an internet dating site and hardly know each other), and may even make her wonder if you're trying to make her feel obligated sexually.
2. A well-chosen venue.
If you're picking up and dropping off your date at her home, try to choose a venue that's closer to her home than yours so that you can drop her off and walk her to her door. And choose a place with the right balance of casualness and conversation; frou-frou romantic restaurants can be kind of creepy, but a sports bar isn't any better. You don't want to feel like you're in a cheesy film, but you want to be able to hold a conversation, too.
Just a hint: pick a place without televisions in it. Most men can't help but let their eyes stray to a lit TV. So don't take the risk.
1. Showing up on time.
There's almost nothing in the world worse than being stood up on a date-- and women take this especially poorly. If you show up late, not only will it be rude, you'll also be taking a risk that she won't be there at all. It's better to be alone on a Friday night than to be stood up at a restaurant; if you keep her waiting for more than 10 minutes or so, she may have taken off by the time you arrive... just to save her pride.
