First dates. If you’re “on the market” you’re inevitably going to have a few. And first dates have the potential to go like a beautiful dream or like a living nightmare. You may find that you have a lot in common, enjoy each other’s company and can’t wait to meet up again. Or it may go so horribly wrong that the end of the date can’t come soon enough and you never want to see that person again. Inevitably there will be times when you just don’t click but the very least you can do is give yourself a chance of getting a second date by sticking to these ten golden rules.

Rule One – Don’t arrive early. Odds are that you’ve either arranged a time at your date’s house or at a restaurant/bar. If it’s the former, your date won’t be amused at the prospect of having to open the door for you before they’re ready and will hold that against you for the rest of the evening. If the meeting place is a bar or restaurant you don’t want to be sitting there by yourself for ages as you’ll just get increasingly nervous about whether your date is going to show at all or how it’s going to go. Arrive exactly on time or ideally five minutes late.

Rule Two – Don’t express strong views on religion, politics or sexual orientation. It’s a first date so there’s no need to discuss your views on the Palestine Wars, same-sex marriage or why following any religion is a load of rubbish; there will be plenty of time for that in the future! You’re out to have fun and getting to know the other person , not solve the world’s problems. Besides, they may have strong views of their own which may lead to an argument or they may just end up getting downright offended.

Listing your extreme views on politics, religion or sexual orientation will most likely kill the relationship before it’s even started.

Rule Three - Don’t bring up ex-partners unless specifically asked about them. You’ll come across as desperate to make it clear you’ve been in a relationship in the past rather than a perennial singleton and seem like you’re trying too hard. Or worse, they may think you’re still hung up on your ex-partner.

Rule Four - Don’t spend the night eyeing up members of the opposite sex. Your date will think you’re a pervert or that everyone else in the room seems more attractive to you than them. If that’s the case, why are you on a date with them in the first place?

Rule Five - Don’t be tight when it comes to leaving a tip. Most people have worked in a bar, restaurant or diner at some stage and will remember what it’s like to rely on tips and have to put up with bad tippers. You will also come across as not being generous and no-one likes the thought of not getting presents at Christmas or on their birthday!

Rule Six - Don’t bore your date with stuff they can’t relate to. So maybe in your opinion paintballing, Star Trek, Russian literature or Led Zeppelin are the greatest things ever but they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, including your date, so don’t make them feel left out or even ostracised by the fact they don’t know much about your pet hobby. Plus: you don’t want them thinking they’ll be competing against Spock for your attention over the next 15 years if you do end up together.

Star Trek or a lonely treck back home? Just because you idolise Spock doesn’t mean your date will as well.

Rule Seven -Don’t display bad manners. Your date might like jocks, nerds, extroverts or tree huggers and you’ll only find out which over time, but no-one likes bad manners. It’s not cool and it’s not going to increase your chances of getting a second date. So chew with your mouth closed, open the door for your date, say “please” and “thank you” and keep any bodily noises and smells to a minimum!

Rule Eight - Don’t spend the night staring at your watch, blackberry or mobile phone. If you have somewhere else to be you shouldn’t have gone on the date and similarly if you keep checking sports scores or Facebook status updates you’re probably better off in front of your computer or TV at home. If that’s not the case, it’s certainly the message you’re giving out.

Rule Nine - Don’t spend the entire date complaining about everything. So maybe the food wasn’t the best you’ve ever eaten, the film won’t win any Oscars, the Vodka Martini was shaken rather than stirred or the taxi driver won’t be offered a contract to race in Formula One anytime soon. But no-one wants to spend time with a permanent moaner or spoilt brat. And remember: couples spend a lot of time doing mundane things like eating or watching TV together so if you complain about everything on your first date, odds are you’ll always do it.

Rule Ten - Don’t end the night on a bad note. Crack a joke, give your date a peck on the cheek, thank them for a good time or wish them a good night’s sleep. Don’t complain about what time you have to get up, the cost of the meal or bring up an argument you had earlier on in the evening. First impressions might be the most important but last impressions are what your date will remember best.