you've got everything planned out: what to wear, dinner reservations, suggestions for where to go for a drink afterward, a few witty anecdotes -- this is going to be the best first date in the history of first dates. But then, as you’re waiting for dessert, you go on a 15-minute rant about your ex. Crash and burn.

Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about what to get right on a first date, we forget to plan for what could go wrong. And what could go wrong is you.

 Don’t Be Late
If you want to impress on the first date, make sure you’re prepared. Give yourself ample time to finish work, do errands and get ready for your night out. You don’t want to be that person who has to send “just one last email for work,” or show up with your gym bag. If you’re running late, chances are you won’t be looking your best either and you definitely want to be dressed your best. When people are late, they tend to get flustered, and the reality is that your date is going to be judging and evaluating every little thing -- so you don’t want to do something out of character.


on’t Overdo It
Everything in moderation, right? You might be hungry, but it isn't the best idea to try and get to the bottom of an Olive Garden’s bottomless bowl of pasta (bonus tip: don’t go to the Olive Garden on a first date). You also don’t want to overdo the booze. A drink or two to calm the nerves can often help the night go smoother, but once you’ve polished off your sixth vodka soda, chances are things are going to get sloppy (and not in a good way).