Surviving the Second Date (Part 2 of 2)
(Continued from Second Date)The second date is your big chance to flirt with each other a little more. Flirting keeps the relationship fresh and alive. It's friendly and it flatters your partner. One big no no, especially for men, is flirting with other females while you are on the second date. Many men do this to make themselves look popular to the opposite sex, but most women interpret this as a real insult.
Be sure to laugh at your partner's jokes during the date and shower him or her with plenty of compliments. In this case, flattery will get you everywhere! Be civil, courteous and polite. Never make the mistake of verbally criticizing him or her, especially in front of others. It is too early at this stage of the game to get personal in anything but a loving way with your partner. In a nutshell, stay away from personal remarks such as "Aha! I see you finally plucked your eyebrows!"
If you do have a disagreement of some kind try not to turn it into a power-struggle. Laugh it off or see if you can get your date to "agree to disagree" with you.
Be open and receptive to your date's loving overtures. Accept any gestures of physical affection with a tender touch. Usually it is the male who makes the first move, but it is perfectly acceptable for the woman to initiate intimacy too.
If your date flinches or pulls away at your touch, it should be a sign to you that they are not sexually interested and for some reason (probably out of politeness), have decided to play a part in a charade with you. If this happens, briefly express your disappointment, politely say good-bye and go home. There are many individuals out there who will do this to dates, simply because they mistake lovers for parents, therapists, sounding boards and nurses.
As you are still single, don't make the mistake of totally committing to your partner. Remember, it is only the second date. Make it subtly clear to him or her that there are plenty of more fish in the sea if she or he shows the slightest disinterest. Although this might sound a little manipulative it is a way to keep your partner's sexual interest alive. However this doesn't mean that you should compare your date's attributes to other lovers you have courted in the past. Creating jealousy or confusion is not fair play in the dating game.
Most dating experts recommend waiting until six dates have passed before two people sleep together. Of course, many individuals do have sex on the first and second dates. Just remember that if you do intend to have sex, you should prepare yourself by packing away appropriate birth control in your purse or pocket.