Let's face it: Dates are often stressful, palm-dampening experiences. They're a lot like job interviews, with a different kind of payday on the line. Just like you'd prepare for that job interview, you would be best served to prep a little before the big night. The more comfortable you can get in uncomfortable situations, the better you'll do when it really counts.
Purposely put yourself in awkward situations, and do it often. Go out for dinner by yourself. We've all seen people doing so, and we all know what goes through our heads: "What's this guy's story?" Walk a few miles with "that guy's" fork and you'll really feel the heat. Try to appear cool and collected under the scrutinizing glares of your fellow diners.
Better yet, try to appear cool and collected to the hot little hard-bodied waitress. Pull that off and nothing will faze you.
There are other similarly difficult spots you can use like this. Go to the movies alone, grab a solitary cup of joe or, if you are meeting a friend somewhere, arrive early and sweat it out solo for a while. Don't peek at your watch and frantically search for your friend; sit back and revel in the public scrutiny. Once you become comfortable with that, take it a step further and head out to a few open mic nights at a comedy club (or the like) to completely overcome your anxieties.
It's natural to feel somewhat self-conscious at first, but if you're able to force yourself into it and at least appear, you will eventually start to feel comfortable in these situations.
Exercise 2: Disagree with your date
Once you're on the date, there are a few lines you have to toe in order to really captivate her and turn it from a run-of-the-mill date into something promising. You have to flirt and show interest, but not come across as a pent-up lapdog. A good way to do this is by disagreeing with her.
You should look for at least three opportunities during the course of the night to do so.
You are much better off sticking up for yourself than bowing down to her. The kinds of women you really want to score don't like a "yes man" and are sick of being coddled by them. So dig in your heels and tell her she's wrong. She will definitely take notice of a confident man who's willing to contradict her.
how to compliment her
You also have to balance the fine line between complimenting her and smothering her in praise. She's also probably heard most of it many times before, so you'll have to reach into your bag of tricks and praise outside the box to have an impact.
Concentrate on more subtle and innocuous things if and when you pay her a compliment. Let her choose the appetizer and sprinkle a bit of praise on her choice, or tell her how nice her walk is when she returns from the ladies' room. Keep the reverence light and rare. You'll maintain that hard-earned sophisticated sheen and she'll feel confident enough to reciprocate.
Exercise 3: End the date with a kiss
If you want to end the date with anything more physical than an awkward handshake, you've got to build it up during the course of the night. I like to call it a "constant evolution of contact."
Start by touching her hand during conversation. Judge her reaction to this subtle first step. If you've been playing your hand properly, she won't recoil in horror and you'll know it's time to up the ante. You're still miles away from the breast massage, but "absentmindedly" stroking her arm while telling a story will feel electric and send a clear signal that you aren't just smiling because your filet mignon is good.
At this point, she should hopefully feel compelled to give a little back. Watch for her to touch your knee or brush your hand, a sure sign that things are going well.
From there, your focus should be on ending the date with (at least) a kiss. Leaving it at just a kiss is a great way to leave her wanting more and garner another kick at the can. An even nicer touch is to ask her to call you. Let her know how much fun you had, but leave the ball in her court.
date your way to sex
A good first date doesn't necessarily have to end with cooking her breakfast. If you prep properly for any awkward situations that might arise and pull off the fine balancing act between interested and indifferent, she'll be begging for more. And, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait...