Dating etiquette has no hard and fast rules but what we’ve done is set some out for you anyways. If you follow the plan below, we guarantee that if you don’t get a second date, it’s simply because they’re not interested in you and not because you behaved inappropriately. Not quite as comforting as you’d like us to be? Okay, we’re sorry. When we do something wrong we apologize. That’s just good dating manners and proper etiquette, after all, and that’s why you’re reading this, right?

The guidelines set out below will help build comfort between you and your date and that’s integral to moving any relationship forward.

No rides on the first date. You never know who you’re going to meet. To avoid any uncomfortable situations, agree on a meeting place. If they don’t have access to transportation, offer to meet them near their home, but not at it.

Have coin for coffee. If you’re the man you should always pay on the first date so keeping it simple is essential to an active dating schedule!

Sleep the night before. Sleep a lot. You need to be energetic and on your game and droopy eyes and yawning while you chat gives the wrong impression.

Always arrive early. Aim for at least 15 minutes before the date is to begin. That will give you time to find a good seat and get comfortable and relaxed. There’s nothing worse than being inconsiderate on your first date. Making people wait is rude.

If you’re going to be late, make sure to call. Dating needs to be as planned as well as the most important events of your life. You don’t want to let Mister or Misses Right slip through your fingers because you ran late buttering your toast.

Get engaged. No, not like that – at least never on the first date! Eye contact is key. If you’re looking around the room, scoping the cute guy/girl in the corner or blankly gazing at a spot on her shirt where her breasts happen to be, you’re saying something to the person across from you – and it’s not something good! Eye contact can be scary at first, but with practice you can improve and your date will be appreciative that you’ve tuned in.

Make sure conversation is going both ways. You need to be as interested in them as you are yourself. If you’re the shy type, make sure to think of stories beforehand so that your date isn’t expected to carry the conversation. Dates are like relationships: they’re all about balance.

Honestly, honesty is the best policy. It’s the only policy, really. You’re trying to build a relationship and it needs to be built on truth.

Sex, politics, money and religion are off the discussion list, for sure. There’re no better ways to ruin chances of a second date than to argue, get too personal or sound perverted on the first. However, if you’re looking for an early out, you can always use them to ensure the date ends quickly!

Always be polite. If things start going badly, let them know that things just aren’t working out. Always leave on good terms as you never know where these people will pop up down the line.

A peck on the cheek is the most you should even consider expecting at the end of a date, and only if they kiss you. Second dates are a different story, but you’re not there yet!

That’s it, that’s all! You’re armed and ready to march into the world of dating with good manners as your guide. You’ll never have to worry about turning off your date because of poor etiquette any more. Now all the pressure is where it should be: on your ability to charm! Good luck!