1. Tell him where you want to go If your date   asks, Would you rather go to this new tapas bar I heard about or just catch   a bite at the local diner? Quit trying to second-guess what he wants to do and   just state your preference.

2. Don’t stress if the meal’s not quite right   Sure, Harry found Sally’s quirky eating habits endearing, but there are few   things guys fear more than a woman who orders her dressing on the side, her   steak rare-to-almost-medium-rare (but not a tad more than that!) — or who complains   her meal’s too hot, too cold, or just plain unappealing. A guy hopes that whatever   the date brings, she can have a good time and go with the flow.

3. Make a genuine offer to pay If asked. Most   guys would say they’re happy to pick up the check on a first date. But that   doesn’t mean you should sit back while he pulls out his wallet. Why? He doesn’t   want to feel like he is being taken for granted. He is willing and most likely   plans to pay already, but he wants you to appreciate it, not expect it.

4. Be courteous You don’t need to read Emily Post’s   etiquette advice before he picks you up, but a little courtesy goes a long way   to making a guy feel appreciated. And while refraining from checking your BlackBerry   or cell phone is a given, there are smaller things women often neglect that   can make a big difference. For example: say “thank you for the lovely dinner”   at the end of the meal; tell him that you like his shirt. Let him know you appreciate   the fact that he made the reservations. Those little niceties add up in a big   way.

5. Kiss him (if you are so inclined) Finally,   your date thinks as he leads you to your door, a great date with a fun, interesting   and attractive woman. What should you do next? It’s no secret that guys put   a lot of stock in feeling chemistry with someone. So if you had a good time,   don’t be shy and ruin his hopes with the dreaded cheek-turn maneuver. That’s   right, kiss him if you’re feeling it. A peck on the cheek is sweet, but if you’re   smitten with him and willing to smooch on date #1, a kiss on the lips will make   his night. And that good-night smooch is “not necessarily a makeout thing,”   but one that is just slightly more than a peck on the cheek is a total thrill   and gives me the go-ahead to call her for another date.

What women want men to do on a first date:

1. Give her a little advance notice

2. Have a game plan ready

3. Confirm your plans together the night before

4. Be a gentleman

5. Ask her for a second date at the end of the first one