Dating Tips for the Modern Man

We all know how hard it is to find that perfect match. The one that you want to spend the rest of your life with. Have a family with. Grow old together with. Of course, you don't have to be thinking long-term to find out how hard dating can be. The process of searching through pages of personal ads may not appeal to you. Nor does watching hours of personals videos. But if you're looking for a date using nontraditional means, that's part of the process. In-person dating might be more your thing. But even face-to-face, you have a lot of things to think about. Like the first date. Or the first phone call after the first date. Or the calls before you ever meet for the first time. The list could go on. Here are a few dating tips that might help you out:

1. Before you ever go out on that first date, take the time to talk to your potential date on the phone. This doesn't mean a quick hello, where are we going to meet, okay, goodbye. This means finding out the stuff you need to know. What do you like to do? Do you go to church? What's your favorite kind of movie? As simple as these questions are, they can answer a lot of questions. Knowing whether she goes to church will tell you how important religion is to her. Knowing the kind of movie she enjoys will reveal some of her personality. Questions like this aren't considered threatening either. And at the end of the conversation, you have options. You can plan a first date. Or you can tell her you'll give her a call sometime. This is usually understood to mean either 1) you want to talk more with her before meeting, or 2) you're not interested in meeting at all.

2. When you're ready to meet with her, choose a public place. A day date is the best way to go. Let's face it; we live in a different world now. Most women won't trust you as far as they can throw you. Your date will definitely be more comfortable in the daytime. She'll probably be willing to talk more, and accept more activity suggestions now than in the evening.

3. Dress and act in character. If you've never worn a suit, don't wear one on your first date. It may seem the sophisticated and respectful thing to do, but don't. First, if she isn't the dressy type, you won't make a good impression. Second, if she is, you'll have to dress like that all the time. Be yourself. Even if it means coming to the door in a pair of holey pants and a ratty T-shirt.

4. The dating tips wouldn't be complete without telling you to meet your date's expectations. You've talked to her on the phone (most likely). So you know a little about her personality. Is she the kind of gal that expects you to open doors for her and pay for dinner? Or does she expect to go "Dutch" (or even pay for the meal herself)? If you're not sure, ask. It can save quite a few moments of embarrassment.

Most of these dating tips involve using simple common sense. Men have a tendency to over-think when they're nervous, which can lead to a negative first impression. Following the tips above can help you to become more confident, letting your innate intelligence shine through.

Jason Hulott is Director at UK Dating Online, a online dating website with reviews of the major dating services as well as lots of useful articles, resources and tips to help you make the most of your dating experience.