Now that you have set a date, here are some guidelines on preparing for your date.

I believe the most important thing is to be yourself and try not to be too nervous. I know, easier said than done right? Dress appropriately, but also wear some clothes in which you feel comfortable.

The first part is picking the perfect spot for a date. I would suggest a public place, but also not too crowded. Meeting up in a discotheque, or a busy bar would make a simple conversation impossible. I would say a good spot for a date is a public park. There you can talk at ease, yet it also provides you with a possibility to enjoy the view in case the conversation goes silent. And it will probably will. But a silence, doesn't need to be a awkward silence. A silence is not a bad thing, there doesn't need to be a conversation the entire time, you don't need to make things up to keep the conversation going either.

When you are meeting each other in a public park, make sure you know how to recognise each other. It can get awkward if you have no idea who you are looking for. You have seen each other's profile picture, but in reality you can both look different. Whether you just had your hair done or whether you are wearing more or less make up, you can look different. However if he does not resemble your picture in the slightest, something is definitely wrong. And you should probably get out of there. If he is lying about his appearance, there is no telling what else he might be lying about.

I would suggest going for a drink rather than going for dinner. Going for a drink gives you the opportunity to have a talk. Yet in case things don' work out you don't need to have it go on and on while you are waiting for the third course. Also be aware about what you are ordering. Remember, you need to make a good first impression.

If you are going for a drink, keep in mind that things have changed and that the guy doesn't necessarily have to pay for the drinks. When you ask for the bill, simply ask whether you can pay your part. This way he can decide whether or not he will invite you. Assuming he will pay just because he is the guy, might also leave a bad impression.

In the end you need to be careful, you never know the person’s real intentions. So make sure you tell someone where you are going and who you are meeting. Having a back up in the same place where you are having your date might be too distracting. However you could set up a sort of warning system with your friend. It would be easy to slip away to the rest room and send out a text message to let your friend know everything is ok.

If the date doesn’t seem to work out, don’t panic. A first date can be stressful and nerve wrecking. Try to simply enjoy your date, you are simply meeting a guy. After you say your goodbyes, give it some time to settle all in. A good night sleep might help you put it all in perspective. Or maybe you just need a second date.

Check this blog next week to read my online dating experience and to discover whether I found my Prince Charming through the internet.