When it comes to picking up women, nobody ever said it was an exact science. Beauty, romance, humor… All of these things are subjective, and perceptions can change even from one date to the next. Still, some people go out of their way to provide lists of things to do and not to do, in hopes of saving others from a common fate on the firing line known as the dating scene.

Communication Is Key

The most important thing, in full-blown relationships as well as in the dating phase, is communication. People don’t appreciate not having been told the important things up front, such as, “are you single?” Even an innocent misconception can lead to bad feelings – and no second date. If each person is as forthcoming as possible, there is a greater chance of establishing the all-important mutual trust between each other.

Insecurity Helps Nobody

Another important factor, for both men and women, is to be secure about oneself before putting one’s heart on the line. Insecurities are corrosive to the opposite sex; they’re not attractive and they don’t engender the feeling in someone else that you care about them. The most common mistake people make during a date is to blather on about their past relationships – as if anyone cares about that.

The most important thing to do on a date, if you want it to lead to anything further than that first evening, is to have fun. Laugh. Smile. Enjoy the company of the person you’re with; after all, they’ve chosen to be with you ahead of whatever competition you may have faced. You must have done something right already. Don’t blow it by being a worry-wart. The good time you save may just be your own.

For more information check out dating expert Neil Strauss.