of first, second, and consecutive dates. But in this write-up we wanted to provide you with a quick list of the basics. This list is derived from our personal experiences, talking to friends and family, and other real world research. The list below is not the end be all, but more of the "givens" or basics of how to be yourself on a date. In a world of first impressions, if you like the person you're on a date with and you want to see them again, or at least have the potential to see them again, then the impression you leave behind is a key factor leading to dating success.

Making the transition from online dating to that first date, can be a daunting experience. If you've spent a lot of time looking at profiles, trying to connect with people, and then trying to line-up a date... moving from the virtual experience to the real world does require some finesse. Meaning it's easier to represent yourself online because there's no human contact and you're behind the computer. But what happens when its time to sit down at a table and represent the image you've portrayed online. What should you do, how should you act, and what do you say? Well, we can't tell you what to say... but we can tell you what not to say. Read on.

Don't misrepresent who you are online and in your profile. Tell the truth every time. That is if you're serious about using online dating, the truth will lead to online dating triumph. If you're lucky enough to meet someone online, and then get to a point where you have a first date, falsifying your picture, lying about your age, about that thinning hair, about your weight, your height, your job, your interests, your abilities, the toupee, etc. any dishonesty can quickly bring your online dating efforts to a swift or disastrous end.

Nothing frustrates and angers singles more than meeting someone for the first time, only to find out that the person they were getting to know online is nothing like the person their meeting in person.

Be honest.

If there were some flaws in your profile, meaning you weren't exactly honest about what was included in it... let the other person know about it well before you meet. It will save you and the other person time and will help determine whether there should be any date at all.

Lining up where to first meet one another is an important element of the "date" and the first impression. Either pick a place you're both familiar with and that you'll both enjoy, pick a place that's received some recommendations or positive reviews, or pick a place friends have liked or have mentioned to you.

What else should you do prepare? The following are not a must, just suggestions meant to benefit you... so use as you see fit?

• Clothing. Dress for the part, and dress as something close to the pictures you've provided. Yes, people can be shallow, but the reality is just about everyone uses "looks" as the main yardstick for the first impression. So, if you've described yourself as a hippie and the pictures of you include long messy hair, tie-dye t-shirts, jeans, and sandals then don't show up wearing a suit on the first date. Unless of course you've described yourself as someone whose a hippie by night and a wall street broker by day. Again, represent what you've described online.
• Grooming. Clean yourself up. This is still date and you still need to present the best possible version of yourself. Look good, smell good, and stay on top of your oral hygiene. Bad breath will scare 'em away.
• Money. Men - just in case be prepared to pay for the date. This is not a hard and fast requirement; however, if you feel like the gentlemen in you will have an opportunity to shine, estimate what the date is going to cost, budget accordingly, and bring the right amount of money or credit cards.

This is the short list. The basics so to speak and it's meant to guide you. Use all of it, some of it, or none of it. It's your call. We'll be adding to this in the future but this a good place to start. And, by the way, these are in no particular order. The goal of this list is to (as much as possible) create some measurable success on the first date.

For the first date:

• Be yourself and don't try too hard to impress
• Be a listener
• Don't let your eyes wander. Men this means you.
• Don't make of the fun of the person you're on date with
• Don't let awkward silence take over
• Don't talk about marriage
• Avoid talking about previous relationships
• Use humor to your advantage
• Avoid coming across as needy
• Don't talk about your shortcomings (at least not yet)
• Ask questions, and get to know them
• Show interest and pay attention
• Don't send text messages
• Avoid talking on your cell phone
• Keep the conversation light
• Be a gentleman, or be a lady
• Respect personal boundaries
• Be honest
• Don't show up late
• Avoid becoming inebriated
• Talk about your positive qualities (e.g., cooking, interior design, painting, travel)

Good luck on the first date. Let us know how things go. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at customerservice@supersocial.com and tell us your story.