What kind attributes do I look for in my friends (funny, serious, creative, etc. )? Do I want a serious relationship or to casually meet new men/women? What are the “deal-breakers” that I absolutely do not want in a relationship?

Remember that you are not trying to trick someone into liking you. If the feeling is not mutual than that person is not worth your time. [3] X Research source Keep yourself clean and hygienic. This is one of the most obvious reasons someone would turn down a date with you.

Building a social network exposes you to many new people and personalities that can help you find dates. Ask your friends if they know anyone who might be interested in a casual date. Friends can often make the best romantic partners, when done correctly.

Don’t always expect someone to give you their number in return. If they are interested they will get in touch, and this is a great sign that there is chemistry between you two. [6] X Research source

Just because it is “normal” for a guy to ask out a girl doesn’t mean it is the only way to do things. No matter who you are, make the first move and ask. Try lines like, “I’ve loved talking to you, would you want to grab coffee sometime?” Be receptive when people ask you out. It takes a lot of courage to ask someone out. Unless you know fully well that you would never date someone, a casual date won’t hurt you.

Give them one or two options so that they don’t feel like you’re forcing anything. For example: “That’s great, are you free Saturday or Sunday morning around 11?”

While it seems obvious, be yourself. You want someone to like you because of who you are, not who you pretend to be.

The best questions are specific. Instead of “What do you do at work?” try “What do you enjoy about your job?” Don’t make your date all about you. If you spend the entire date talking about how great you are, chances are good this will be the last date you go on with them. Avoid controversial topics like religion and politics on your first date. These topics are often incendiary if you don’t know the person well enough to be respectful.

If you are not interested in continuing to see someone, then politely say goodnight and go home. Do not feel like you need to kiss them or reciprocate feelings you don’t share.

Ignore things like “the 3-day rule” and just be yourself. If you feel a connection, pursue it whenever feels comfortable. [7] X Research source

Never lie or ignore people you don’t want to see, as this often creates more problems. Simply saying, “I had a lot of fun the other night, but I think I’d like to stay friends,” should be enough.

Again, remember to keep things casual to begin. Meeting your parents, for example, usually happens many months down the line in a relationship.

Respect their privacy and history – you don’t need to know all of their exes on the second date. Spend nights at your own houses and avoid lots of early sleep-overs. You can always get serious later– it is much harder to slow things down.

Don’t feel bad if you have to turn down the occasional date. Make time in your schedule for your old friends frequently – they are the ones that will be there for you if something goes wrong.