Dating coach offers a first-meeting cheat sheet for men

Dating coach Erika Ettin helps others navigate the often intimidating world of online dating.

I’m going to let you in on a secret. Ready? Promise not to tell? I give my male clients a “men’s dating cheat sheet” when I work with them. Now, this isn’t to say, of course, that women don’t need, or ask for, the same level of advice as men. This advice could easily apply to everyone but, even though a lot has changed regarding gender roles, it’s still often the men who are expected to take the lead in many dating scenarios. Chivalry 101

Ask where she is located or where she is coming from, and choose a location convenient for her. If you don’t know the area, do some research and give her two to three choices.

If trading phone numbers, ask politely for hers first rather than shoving her yours and expecting her to contact you. (“May I have your number?” vs. “Here’s my number. Text me.”)

Confirm one day before the date. Text is A-OK, but be confident, “Looking forward to seeing you” vs. the weak “Are we still on?”

Arrive on time or early, and wait in front for her.

Pay. Body Language Pointers Face your date. Are your knees/feet facing your date or turned away?

The more you point them towards your date, the more likely you are into them, and vice versa.

Sit next to or diagonally from your date rather than across.

It’s much easier to have a more intimate and less interview-like conversation this way.

Maintain eye contact. If you want someone to know you’re truly listening, then make the appropriate eye contact.

Smile.