10 Rules of Dating Etiquette

Are the old days of good manner, respect and chivalry gone?

It just seems that way because so many young people today don’t know the basics of etiquette and manners, it is not taught anywhere so unless someone you know teaches you then sadly this is fading out.

That is no reason for you to allow the good old days to fade.

The thing is that women are a lot more conscious of manners and courtesy. We have different upbringings and although we may not use typical manners when with our male friends,  it is not acceptable to use the same kind of manners when in the company of a lady.

This puts you in a great position because as women reluctantly accept the fact that most men’s manners are going out the window. They are genuinely shocked and impressed by a man that can show proper etiquette!

1. Standing Up

This may seem a little stuffy for some, but it is traditional etiquette that you stand whenever a lady enters or departs from a room (it is also etiquette to do it when an elder or someone very important enters or departs the room).

So don’t sit there on the sofa while she leaves, get up, at least say goodbye to her face to face, and don’t let her make her own way out. Walk her to the door and see her off properly!

All of this shows you care about her and you are paying attention to her, grunting goodbye at her from the sofa while you are still watching TV does not show respect or attention!

2. Door Etiquette

Everybody knows the rule of holding a door for a lady. Rut to do it right you need to hold it open for them and step out of the way so that they can pass. Nod and say, ‘after you’ if she hesitates. A smile always helps as well as she may be a bit stunned!

How about revolving doors then? Well these are a bit trickier. The guy goes in first (try an, “allow me” before you do so she doesn’t think you are just pushing in front) to push the door round for the lady who follows in behind you. And no spinning it round fast and having it smack into the back of them like you do with your friends!

These two are sure to get you a smile from a discerning lady.

3. Etiquette for Walking Into a Room

This one should be easy if you think about it…

… she walks in first because you are holding the door for her!

The same goes for concerts, movies, etc,  hold the door so she can enter and then the lady goes first into the row of seats.

On exit from the row,  you will be leading, so stand at the end to stop anyone from cutting off your partner as they exit the rows in front, and allow her to exit in front of you then walk beside her.

4. Table Manners

This is a sorely neglected area of people’s manners, but here a few tips to have you polished in no time!

• Always serve everything for the lady you came with, but never for a lady who came with another man (do it if they are by themselves though).
• Never talk with your mouthful or make noise as you eat.
• Never leave the table before the family or guests without asking to be excused by the host or hostess
• Always drink your soup from using the side of the spoon without any noise!
• Do not talk loud or boisterously
• When serving them never overload their plate or force them to have something which they have already declined once

5. Be Punctual

Always always always be on time for a date!

It shows respect, good planning and personal timekeeping and reliability.

Make sure you leave in plenty of time, and if necessary,  get there early and wait for a while, much better than run the risk of being late.

If you are running late, then telephone the lady. If she doesn’t answer her phone, call the restaurant to make sure she is aware of what is going on and not left to become unnecessarily anxious.

If you are having to rush to meet her  after you have phoned,  make sure you take a minute or two to ‘catch your breath’, compose yourself and straighten yourself out before you go the final stretch and meet her.

6. Conversation

Remember that a conversation is two sided. This means if you catch yourself talking for too long then apologise and turn the conversation to them.

For most people,  a great topic is themselves. They know a lot about that subject so they feel comfortable talking about it! Women love it when you show an interest in them and their lives, so try to get her to talk about herself more and she will really feel a connection with you.

Be enthusiastic and positive, no matter what they are saying, even if it is boring or not! This will put them at ease and more relaxed so a conversation will start to flow.

Try to avoid topics that evoke emotion like religion, politics and money. These may get you caught up in debate that is more suited to the comfort of your own home rather than on your date.

Laugh at funny jokes, but a smile will suffice for unfunny ones; you don’t have to laugh at everything or she will think you are trying too hard and being insincere!

7. Getting Comfortable

It is your place, as the man, to make sure that your date is comfortable at all times. Do not  keep asking her if she is comfortable, but to notice if she is looking cold or shifting in an uncomfortable seat and take appropriate action to remedy the situation.

If you are walking along and you see a puddle then you may be comfortable going through it but don’t drag her through it. You don’t have to throw your coat over it like in old times, but just make sure you both avoid it somehow.

Offer your coat if she is cold when you are out and about. Women tend to dress lightly since they hate to have too much stuff to carry around, so you should be prepared to sacrifice your coat or jacket to keep them warm (or getting them out of the cold is another solution!)

8. Eye Contact

Most people make eye contact when they are listening, but not when they are talking. Try to make as much eye contact as possible to let them know they have your undivided attention.

Make sure that you genuinely are paying attention to them so that they feel they are the only person in the whole place. If you look around the room or look at other people then the person talking will assume that you are bored and looking to get away.

A good rule with eye contact is to look at the spot just in-between people’s eyes. Don’t stare for extended periods of time, take a quick break by briefly looking at something else and then come back, otherwise the talker could become uncomfortable.

9. Be Yourself

People can usually tell when you are exaggerating, if not immediately. It will show through later and bite you in the butt.

It has also been said that women are 10x more sensitive to body language than men, so if you are lying or exaggerating, there is a good chance they will know it!

If you try and be someone  you are not, you’ll only trap yourself into lying in the future to keep up the pretence, or  having to be called out which will make you look worse than if you just tried to be yourself.

People can tell when you are trying too hard and that is not a good trait as it shows you are not comfortable with the real you.

10. Extra Tips

Lastly, some other things you need to remember for your date:

• ALWAYS make sure she gets home ok. If you can, escort her home, then go home. Cabs are not always as safe as they seem
• Never try and have sex on a first date. Men try it routinely, but if a woman responds then one of you is bound to cheat later on in the relationship with that attitude to sex!
• Never swear or use uncouth language in front of a lady. Yes they already know the words, but that does not make it acceptable to use them
• Always make an effort to be dressed smartly, be fresh and smell good
• Never argue or be rude to others on a date, just let things slide or you will look like a jerk
• Compliment your date, but only if you mean it!
• On the first date always pick up the tab, on later dates always do it unless she offers first
• Never date unless you are genuinely, genuinely single! None of this, ‘Well I am kind of seeing someone’. That is not acceptable behaviour.

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