First-date bait: Follow these tips to get him or her hooked on you

By: Doug Worgul (KRT)
Posted In: Entertainment

First dates may be the most awkward and self-conscious experiences known to humankind. To help manage the stress of a first date and ensure the date’s success, Niki McDowell, our source at the dating and introduction service It’s Just Lunch, provided a nifty list of 10 Things to Know Before Your First Date. First daters are advised to memorize this list, which we have embellished. It’s for your own good. Really.

Know your current events. Actual news, along the lines of Condoleezza Rice’s latest diplomatic mission as opposed to the latest on Brad and Angelina.

Know the titles of at least three books on the New York Times best-seller list. This will leave a positive and lasting impression that you have actually read three books from the current New York Times best-seller list.

Know how to tell at least one joke well. Avoid jokes involving priests, rabbis, evangelists or blondes. These may offend, resulting in awkward silences.

Know how to pronounce correctly the last place you traveled to. This is less important if the last place you traveled to was Hutchinson, Kan.

Know the difference between a Cabernet and a Chardonnay. Better yet, watch the oenophile flick “Sideways” before the date. Be prepared to discuss your favorite scene and to rant about how Paul Giamatti got ripped off when he wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award. (You do know what an oenophile is, don’t you?)

Have at least one interesting piece of trivia to talk about in case the conversation lags. For example, an adult human head weighs 15 to 20 pounds. If you actually use this particular bit of trivia, the conversation may lag some more while your date recovers from the mental image resulting from your sharing this knowledge.

Know enough about the campus arts scene that you can talk about it comfortably. This includes things such as live music and theater. Knowing which parking lot vendor sells the best velvet Elvis paintings doesn’t count.

Know which sport is in season and the name of your school’s team.

If you’re stumped by the restaurant menu, just point.

Finally, know where you parked your car.

___

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN

Niki McDowell offers these additional tips for those about to embark on a first date:

Approach the date with the right mind-set. Look at the experience as way to enjoy life instead of as part of a search for an important relationship.

Dress to impress. Wear something that makes you feel special and comfortable _ both physically and mentally.

Smile. It lights up your face and will make you appear more friendly and open.

Keep it positive. Showcase your best attributes and keep the conversation focused on things you can discuss with a positive attitude.

Be genuinely interested in your date, and he or she will be interested in you. What is it that people like to talk about most? Themselves, of course. Ask questions about where they like to go, what they like to do, and you will be talking all night.

Enjoy yourself. Don’t lose sight of the fact that it’s just a date!

Online: www.itsjustlunch.com

___

(c) 2005, The Kansas City Star.

Visit The Star Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.kcstar.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.