We all remember terrible first dates that went horribly wrong. Hopefully, we move past them and get on with our lives, but there are things that we need learn from those not so graceful nights. With this checklist, you should feel covered.

Make A Reservation
Even if you’re taking your date to Chili’s, call ahead and see if you can get your name on the list. There’s nothing worse than getting to the restaurant of your choice and finding out that it’s booked. Making a reservation also shows your date that she was important enough for you to think ahead. This is a great way to inadvertently show that you’re thoughtful and cultured.

S-S-S
Bodily functions are probably the last thing on your mind during a first date, but they are extremely important. Feeling that uncomfortable pit in your stomach can be a low point during your day. Make sure that you aren’t going to feel that during the date. Showering is almost a no-brainer, but even if you haven’t done anything during the day, you need to shower. Shaving or grooming your facial hair is another must.

Do NOT Pick Her Up Unless She Asks
First dates are a lot like job interviews. Have you ever gone to a job interview and as soon as you walked into the hiring manager’s office you knew that you weren’t getting the job? Multiply that times a hundred and that’s how many first dates have gone the same way for me. Letting her have her car down the road gives the both of you an exit strategy.

Get Directions
Being late is not the best way to start off any relationship, but being late on a first date without a great reason shows her how the rest of the relationship is going to turn out. Get a GPS or print out directions beforehand of where you’re going.

Be Dressed Appropriately
There’s no need to break out the Sunday’s best, but I wouldn’t recommend slapping on that old Grateful Dead shirt you wear to clean the gutters either. A button down shirt tucked in with a nice pair of khakis is easy, comfortable and affordable too. Typically, women stare at the name brands of other women’s clothing, so if you don’t have these lying around run up to Target or Walmart and pick up a new shirt and a new pair of slacks.

Have A Ton Of Questions To Ask
During a typical date, I don’t reveal all of my cards. I like to have the girl speaking about 60% of the time. This can show that you’re caring and that you don’t mind letting her have the spotlight. This also shows that you don’t have to brag or drop shameless plugs about yourself. Asking questions can also give you a better idea of what she’s into for further dates.

Do NOT Under Any Circumstances Talk About An Ex
When I hear a girl bring up an ex on a first date, all I can think is that she’s still into him. 99% of the time I find out that I was right. The same hold to guys. Don’t bad mouth an ex either. This shows that you either settle for the wrong girl or that you have bad taste. Either way, you come off bad.

Pay Or Don’t Pay
There’s a lot of controversy on whether or not to pay on the first date. On one hand, paying shows that you’re financially stable (a key to keeping a woman), but on the other hand, who wants to pay for a date that’s gone to the dogs. In my opinion, there’s no reason you should pay for anything on a first date. At this point the playing field is leave. If she offers to pay for herself then let her. If she expects you to pay, then it can be a lot of fun to tell the waiter “Separate checks, please” and watch her face. If things are going great then by all means pay.

Have An After Dinner Plan In Mind
One thing that I like to do is look for things that are going on around the restaurant or bar the date is taking place at. If the date is going well, why wouldn’t she want to go across the street for a drink and to hear the blues band that’s about to go on?

Make Sure She Gets Home Okay
Assuming the date didn’t wind up back at your place (or her’s for that matter), give her a call to make sure she got home okay. Even if it’s quick, go ahead and thank her for having dinner with you and tell her you had a great time. She’ll see you as thoughtful and different from the norm.

Summary
If you follow these rules, you’ll find your dates turning from first dates to second, third and fourth ones very quickly. Giving yourself the best appearance and personality is sure to bring you luck.