So, you’ve plucked up the courage and asked your crush out on a date and she said yes – now what? Do you do the classic ‘romantic restaurant dinner followed by a movie’ date? Try something different? Be yourself? Try to be extra charming? This is a person you really like – you certainly don’t want this date to fail. So what do you do? Here are some tips to help ensure that you at least get a second date.

Figure out what you want

This is actually advice for before your first date. Having a solid idea of what you want in a relationship but also in life generally will give you the all-important confidence you need to be successful on your date. If you focus too much on pleasing other people, you will seem confused, fake and, bluntly, kind of needy. Don’t try to mould yourself to the needs of others.

Pick the right location

Everyone remembers their first date with the guy they end up spending the rest of their life with, so it needs to be a good one. Phuket romantic restaurants, for example, include outstanding beachfront settings, where you’ve got your toes in the sand and the sea breeze in your hair – heavenly. Find something like that near where you are. Following up with a movie is not recommended because you can’t talk to each other during the film.

First impressions matter

It’s impossible to overemphasise how memorable the first date will be, if it’s successful. The first impression will set the tone for the rest of your relationship, so not only does the restaurant need to look good, but you need to, too. Put some effort into your appearance. Don’t go for a tuxedo – there is such a thing as overdoing it. You need to remain casual without looking sloppy. Some dark jeans, smart shoes and a shirt is a good start.

Be a gentleman

No one likes a jerk. Sure, you could argue that it’s a power play to show that you’re a strong, confident, in-control kind of guy, but the reality is that you’ll look like the sort of guy that no right-thinking person wants to be in a long-term relationship with. Be polite, especially to your waiter/waitress. A hefty proportion of people judge their dates by how their treat the staff at the romantic restaurant.