Any First Date tips?

[Frettchen]

(not a n/c, just a long-time lurker...) So I've met this guy online, we've been exchanging essay-length e-mails for a while now and he's suggested meeting up. I picked the restaurant, we compromised on a time. It all seems fairly straight forward. Except this is the first online-dating meet up I've been on; past bfs have been friends first, so there wasn't any of the big build up to a first meet.

It's now the day before the date and I'm realising how unprepared I am!

Anyone got any tips as to what to do/not to do on a first date? Or just some general reassurance?? I've already decided I won't be drinking (have to drive to get there and home again) and I'll be paying for my half. No idea what to wear, but I figure I'll work that out this evening...

To be honest when I did internet dating I always just met for coffees / a drink rather than full blown meals - that way if I knew within 5 seconds that he was not the one for me then at least I didn't have to go to the expense of paying for a meal (or endure a whole meal in their company!) That's just me though and lots of people do do dinners

I also used to say in advance that I wouldn't be able to stay out late (I'd either meet them at 6pm and say I was meeting other friends at say 8pm or I'd say I had to get up early for something or other). That way I gave myself a get out clause in case it didn't go well. And if it did go well keeping it short and sweet would leave them wanting more

That's just me though and I know lots of people handle it differently.

My tips would be:

• offer to split the bill. I know from my male friends they hate it when women assume the guy will pay (even if they normally do). The idea situation is you offer to pay, but he says no it's my treat and pays

-be yourself!

• This is just common sense / personal safety stuff so sure you know this already, but don't give away any personal details like address, etc and don't let him drive you home etc so he finds out where you live until you know you can trust a person.

• Re what to wear just wear something you feel comfortable in. There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable. So just be yourself and wear what you would normally wear for a dinner out with your mates.

• If you have a nice night /if he pays for dinner I think it's polite to text and say thank you. Then leave the ball in his court to ask you out on a second date.

GOOD LUCK!