What makes for a successful date? Is it making yourself look good or is it finding as much as you can about the other person? The answer probably involves both aspects but what’s the use of being found attractive by someone you can’t tell if you like that person at the end of the date? We are all narcissistic enough to enjoy being admired without any finality but the purpose of a date is to find out if it can develop into something more consistent.

The focus should then be on getting to know the other one while keeping self-aware of yourself in the whole picture. Never forget to ask the fundamental question if whether he has been in another relationship recently. The baggage a person caries from a past relationship can be decisive. Starting from that you can share both your views on relationships and also get a sense of your availability when it comes to commitment and a fresh start.

Then you can go on to ask about hobbies, passions, even work and always take your time with the subject of family. Family is a very good subject for a date as it has the power to make the people open up and maybe even become a little more emotional. Don’t go too much into detail as you should always be able to return to getting to know each other and focus on the perspective of forming a couple.

You shouldn’t be afraid to be a little romantic and whatever the subject at hand, flirt, just don’t lose focus. Make sure that the evening doesn’t before you know what he does for a living and who he shares most of his time with. In turn, let the other know about your own priorities in life and your own strengths and weaknesses.

There’s always a part of the date that should be kept for light conversation. You don’t want it to turn into a job interview. Take the time to talk about more frivolous things, like jokes, movies, favorite food and so on. This will give you the opportunity to flirt some more and become more relaxed. Furthermore, it gives you an impression about the character of the other person, the basic behavior and confidence that person has in new situations. This is also a good time to become familiar with the person’s presence and to start gaining that person’s trust.

Honesty and receptiveness are the main ingredients of a successful date, and by successful I mean only that at its end you’ll be able to know where you stand. You don’t have to be frustrated if the conclusions don’t favor an eventual relationship. You can feel good that you put yourself out there once again and hope for better luck next time. Practice makes perfect.