5 Things You Need to Know About Dating Etiquette For Women

1. Confidence is Key

Your mind may be completely focused on those last ten pounds you're struggling to drop. Or perhaps you're just not happy with the way your hair's looking these days. While you should feel free to point out these flaws to your friends, avoid bringing them up to a date. Chances are he's not even noticing your so-called imperfections, but focusing on your fabulous features instead. So ditch the self-doubt and show off all of your wonderful attributes. Nothing's sexier than woman with confidence, so exude it as much as possible.

2. Ax the Ex Talk

No matter how hung up you are on your ex, try to keep him out of sight, out of mind while dating someone new. Put yourself in your date's place: Would you want to spend the evening listening to him sound off about his selfish, but super-sexy ex-girlfriend? Probably not. And whether you're complaining or just chit-chatting about your ex, you might come off as unavailable or bitter, which may send your date running.

3. Don't Overdo the Drinks

It may be tempting to keep downing all of those sour apple martinis your date orders up. But one sip too many may impede your ability to assess your date's true intentions. You may think you're just having fun, but he could be plying you with drinks for far-less innocent reasons. So avoid getting yourself into a sticky situation at the end of the night by just having a drink or two on the first few dates. Save all of the partying for later on in the relationship when you're really ready to have fun.

4. Some Silence is Golden

Sometimes you meet someone new and feel like you were connected in a past life: You have tons in common and your conversation flows like lava from an active volcano. But even the best dates will have moments when you temporarily run out of things to say. And when the chatter falls flat, let it. Don't feel compelled to fill moments of silence with banal banter. Flash a smile, inch a bit closer to him and let your body language do the talking instead.

5. End Bad Dates Gracefully

If the date's gone sour and you know he's not for you, don't hesitate to end things early. But upon your departure, try to avoid being hasty or rude about it. Instead of suddenly jumping up and feigning food sickness during dinner, try to stick it out until the check arrives. Pay your half, and as soon as you've settled the tab, sweetly smile, shake his hand, thank him for the evening and leave it at that.