You want him to open the door and think, Wow!�but without looking like you�re trying too hard. Strike the balance by pairing your cutest jeans with an off-theshoulder tee or a strappy tank�something that shows just a touch more skin than usual. (He�ll definitely notice!) Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to get ready, so you don�t have to rush or make him wait.
7:15 P.M.: At the door
Even if you and your guy talk all the time, the first moment of a Real Date is nerve-racking � so much buildup! Keep your cool and calm his jitters by giving him a warm hi and a quick hello hug. Then make a joke that acknowledges the weirdness (�Full disclosure: I changed three times!�) � it will diffuse any pressure. (If he honks from your driveway, wave him in for just a minute while you grab your purse and jacket.)
7:25 P.M.: On the way
Your instinct may be to ask a bunch of questions to get him to open up, but that can feel like a college admissions interview. Instead keep the convo moving by making funny observations. (�Do you ever accidentally make eye contact with the people stopped next to you at a red light? I hate that!�) Don�t worry about silences � you can always default to talking about what�s playing on his iPod. Since he picked the music, he�ll have stuff to say about it.
8:10 P.M.: At dinner
If you think he might pick up the check or don�t know how much food to order, ask him what he�s getting and choose a dish around the same price. When the check comes, offer to split it. If he insists on paying, don�t push it � just thank him and say you�ll buy him ice cream next!
10:30 P.M.: Saying goodnight
If you want to go out again, let him know by bringing up something you talked about earlier (�So when do I get to beat you at Guitar Hero?�). Ready for a kiss? Don�t rush out of the car when he drops you off � move closer to him and keep eye contact. If it�s on his mind too, he�ll lean in!
11 A.M.: The next day
Play it cool and let him reach out to you: Texting first can seem overeager. If he�s interested in you, you�ll probably hear from him by the end of the day. In the meantime, enjoy the rush you get after an awesome date � it�s exciting to know anything could happen next!
