You are going on that first date and aren’t sure how to act. We’ve got you covered. Read through these tips and you will be sure to score points with your date.

Don’t

Talk on the phone.

Don’t talk on the phone or text message while you are out on your first date. It is disrespectful and it looks like you have better things to do and more important people to talk to. This is not the message you want to be sending to your date. Turn your cellphone on vibrate and only take a call if it is an emergency.

Bring up ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends.

Dragging your date through your ex-files is not a great idea. You want to keep the conversation focused on what you two have in common and getting to know each other. It is OK to give your date the basic information on your ex if he or she asks, but don’t go into the details.

Come on too strong.

You are there to have a good time and get to know your date. Don’t make a fool of yourself by coming on too strong. Nobody wants to feel pressure to hook up on a first date, they would rather get to know you first.

Get drunk.

If you are going to drink on your first date make sure it is in moderation.

Talk too much about yourself.

It is important to communicate well on your first date, but you don’t want to dominate the conversation. You will usually come off as self-interested and annoying if you are talking too much. If you feel like you are starting to dominate the conversation, stop for a second and ask your date some questions, listen to the answers, and then ask more questions.

Do

Brush your teeth.

Always brush your teeth and use some mouthwash before you go out on that first date. Bad breath is a major turn-off and your date might be offended. It is definitely not the first impression you want to leave with your date.

Dress appropriately.

When you find out where you are going on your first date make sure you scope out the dress code. You want to make sure you aren’t under-dressed or over-dressed.

Give compliments.

Make sure you compliment your date at least once. Everyone loves a compliment and it is a great way to start off your date. A simple “You look great in that dress” at the start of the night can go a long way.

Make eye contact.

You want to look into your date’s eyes when he or she is talking to you. If your eyes are wandering around the room during a conversation you will appear disinterested. Act interested and make eye contact frequently while your date is talking.

Be yourself.

Oftentimes people act differently when they go out on a first date. They want to make sure they are “cool enough”, so they act out of character in an attempt to conform to a standard they assume their date is comparing them to. This is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Eventually the true you is going to come out anyway, so don’t bother pretending. Be yourself and you will quickly discover if you are compatible with your date.