First Dates ... The Top Ten List

1. If you’re a picky eater ... order something you know you’ll like. Sending back food or modifying something is obnoxious. Top cuisine choices for a first date...46% Italian, 19% Steakhouse, 16% Japanese, 11% Mexican, 8% French


2. Talking about how great you are is super ... for a job interview. Ask questions, but stay away from salary, weight and ex’s. Even if you don't have similar interests as your date, you can keep the conversation going by talking about something you're passionate about. It's always fun to listen to someone talk about a hobby, cause, or adventure that they are excited about, and you might even get interested in something new. And when you talk about something you enjoy, it will surely engage your date and keep the conversation flowing.


3. Be kind to your waiter or waitress. Be generous and add at least a 20% tip. 61% of single women would surmise their date is cheap and not see them again if they tipped only 10%, while 24% of single men would just think that their date is bad at math.


4. Chewing gum may be great for fresh breath...but the smacking will pop the flow of any good conversation, so don’t blow it. Have a Tic Tac instead.


5. Create a business card just for your social life...it’s a great way to express your creativity without giving out all of your professional information. Write a funny note on the back of your card before giving to your date so that they smile each time they see it.


6. Most definitely turn your cell phone ringer off. They came to talk to you, not to listen to you talk to someone else. 46% say their biggest pet peeve is when their date answers their cell phone during a meal.


7. Share a funny childhood story. Sometimes these can be quite telling about a person. They are also a great way to break the ice, laugh and remind us to step out of "work mode" .


8. Everyone seems so busy these days, but be careful. You may seem so busy that the other person thinks you have no time for a relationship.


9. Leave work at work. Alter your mindset before going on your date. Change your outfit, leave your Blackberry in the car it will help keep your mind away from work.


10. Actually be a good listener. If you’re doing all the talking, you’re not on a date; you’re on stage giving a speech. Here’s a few questions to get the spotlight off of you:
    
    
    • If you had the opportunity to chat with someone famous, past or present, who would it be and why?
    
    
    • If your life had a theme song what would it be?
    
    
    • If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

The U.S. dating industry is estimated at nearly $1.5 billion, and growing at 25% annually, with 110 million single adults in the United States alone.

For additional information, log on to It's just Lunch Tips for Your Date