Make sure your first date isn't your last one by following some simple rules of the dating book.

Etiquette may seem like a quaint old term particularly in the context of a date. But believe me like every other ritual, dating also has its well-defined Dos and Don'ts and you can ignore them at your peril. These relate as much to the man as to the woman. In fact, one of the first things to bear in mind is that in this age and time a date isn't just a prelude to a mating session. Its basically an exploration of personalities, an attempt to figure out if a man and a woman share common views and interests, that can then be the basis of a sustainable relationship.

One of the first rule of the dating book is to remember that you are starting fresh - don't bring your past into it by talking about a failed marriage or an earlier affair gone sour. Doing that is almost like saying, hey had it not been for an earlier bad experience I wouldn't be here with you. So make sure to avoid references to your ex-girl friend or boy friend, whether they are complimentary or critical. And for god's sake, don't lie or boast.

First dates are all about getting to know the honest truth about each other. Saying something that's untrue and is bound to come back and haunt you in the future is counter productive. Far better it is to stay as close to the truth as possible and where you think its not appropriate to tell the truth just say, "I would rather not talk about it right now". This indicates clearly that you think its too early in the relationship to be discussing such things but does not rule out the possibility of giving a straight answer later.

Another similar no no on a date is to jump the gun and start talking marriage or worse still about family and kids. A casual remark like "Would you like to have kids" is a sure-shot way off scaring off any but the most committed of dates. Remember, the date is about checking out each other first as individuals - the part about ideal husband or wife can wait.

First dates are all about getting to know the honest truth about each other.

And unless you're looking for just a one-night stand, keep the pillow talk to down and stay off getting too physical. While a mild sexual joke is fine, so long as its not blatantly sexist, filthy language or the use of four-letter word, macho though it may seem to you, is most likely to send your date scurrying for cover. And when the date is over, if you think you have warmed up a peck on the cheek is about all that you should indulge in.

A very basic etiquette on a first date is to pay attention to your partner. Let him or her know that he or she is the reason you are there. You do really need to hang on to every word that your date speaks. So make sure you don't keep eyeing that handsome hunk on the other table or leering at every pretty young thing that passes by, or even keep staring outside the window. Having an animated conversation on your mobile phone is also hardly calculated to make you very popular with your date.

And last but not the least, please bear in mind that a date isn't an excuse for getting drunk. Save that for a stag evening. There's nothing less attractive than a perfectly nice date that's piss-drunk and ends up making a fool of themselves and you. For a sure shot, kiss off this one will take some beating!

One of the worst things you can do on your date is to show up late and keep them waiting. Nobody in their right mind likes to sit around wondering whether they have been stood up or not. Before heading out for a date, make sure you allocate extra time in arriving to your destination. Timeliness is key in making a good first impression. Many dates get cancelled or go strangely array from the beginning because of tardiness. Buy a watch and show up on time!