First date jitters

First dates are always toughies. You spend hours persuing your closet for the perfect first date ensemble only to come to the realization that you don't like anything you've tried on and must therefore spend another few hours perusing the mall. Just when you think deciding on an outfit is stressful, once the date night actually arrives, it's time to start worrying about the other aspects of the evening: what will you talk about, will it be awkward, deciding on a goodnight kiss or maybe even a good-morning kiss...depending on how good the date is. Being nervous on a date is normal, but it's how to overcome those first date nerves that everyone wants to know.

Here are some ways that will help you overcome the fears of going for that first date again:

1. Make it a group date, that way you're not alone. If the date's bad, you have someone there with you in case you need to come up with an excuse to run.

2. Engage in phone conversations or at least emails before you meet for the first time. Get to know tihs person a little before rushing into a one-on-one date. This way, you already have things to talk about.

3. Keep the first date short and simple. You want to make things very casual, such as catching a movie or bowling and calling it an early night. 2-3 hours is enough time to feel sparks or not.

4. Make small talk. If you feel as if you're running out of things to talk about, ask your date about their favorite hobbies, brothers or sisters, pets, etc. Awkward silence is the absolute date from hell.

5. Most importantly, BE YOURSELF. You want to make sure your date likes you for you and not someone else. If you pretend to be someone your not for the sake of having a successful date, your 2nd or 3rd date will be an absolute bust.