First date "don'ts"

For that certain someone -- here's a few tips that might be helpful (brought to you by iVillage)...

Do NOT:

1) Pretend to be someone you’re not. If you eat meat and she’s a vegetarian, fess up to your carnivorous ways. Ditto if you’re a two-pack-a-day guy and she’s a non-smoker. The truth will always out eventually: Sooner is truly better than later.

2) Make a snap judgment about your feelings toward her. Unless she’s a TOTAL boor or potential nutcase, give her another try or two before writing her off.

3) Leave her hanging. If you’d like to see her again, say, "I had a great time. The time really flew." Yes, you can kiss her goodnight but don’t act desperate to set up a second date on the spot. If the first date is all she wrote for you, say, "It was a pleasure meeting you. All the best." Don’t dilute the message by engaging in kissy-kissy. (I disagree with this one -- get the kissy-kissy in regardless and leave her hanging.)

4) The most important first tip of all: Date safe. Don’t take risks with your safety. Just because your cousin’s friend’s boss introduced you to this chick doesn’t mean you should invite a virtual stranger in for some wine and music. Besides, not rushing into intimacy gives you something to look forward to on future dates. (totally disagree on this one, especially if she's hot.)

You can thank me later with a beer.