Dating advice is abundant: it’s on the Internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on the TV. Dating advice is so easy to give that an eight-year-old even wrote a book about it. (That child is intelligent and ought to be sought after by the girls, because while fundamental, all of his dating advice is true. If you have read the book, you would be forced to admit that that eight-year-old child does know what he is proposing (no pun intended): that is to keep everything straightforward. And that it in a nutshell when it comes to dating, keep things simple.

Leave your past in the past. There’s a reason it’s called the past. The first thing any giver of dating advice would tell you is that a fresh start is important for a date to go well. Boring your date with tales of the ex’s misdeeds is a definite no-no. Don’t let old grudges get in the way of new opportunities.

‘Just be yourself’ is probably the best dating advice possible. Sure, people like to show themselves in the best possible light and impress their date, but if they are not behaving their usual selves, not only will they feel uneasy, but their date will pick up on the uneasiness too.

Not to expect too much (nor too little) is also good dating advice. If you expect too much from one date or from te person you are dating, it is highly likely that you will be discouraged by the results. After all, your date is only human too and first dates are generally at least slightly awkward.

A frequently asked question is who pays? The consensus in dating advice is that he who invites, pays. However, some people insist that it is better to go Dutch every time and avoid complications. There is another school of dating advice though, that insists that the man pays for every date. In the case of a difference of opinion between you and your date, come to a compromise that works for both of you.

Texting your date before meeting is also a good idea as it puts him or her at ease and allows you to discuss interests and hobbies in an informal and less tense environment than a first date would be. This gives you something to work with if conversation lags.

The most important bit of dating advice though, is to remember that no one date is a deal-breaker. No date is the end, so if one doesn’t work out, why worry, there will be others. And if they doesn’t work, there are plenty of other people to go out with.

Dating advice is abundant on the Internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on TV. There was even an eight year old kid who wrote a book filled with sound dating advice. (That kid really is pretty clever and must be pretty popular with the girls, because although fairly basic, all of his dating advice is good sense. |If you read the book, you will be forced to agree that that eight-year-old kid does know what he’s on about and that he keeps it simple. And that is the point really: when it comes to dating, keep things simple.

Leave your past in the past. There’s a reason it’s called the past. The first thing any giver of dating advice would tell you is that a fresh start is important for a date to go well. Boring your date with tales of the ex’s misdeeds is a definite no-no. Don’t let old grudges get in the way of new opportunities.

‘Do as you normally do – just be yourself’ is surely the best dating advice there is. Without dobt, people like to excel, to shine and impress their date, but faking it will only make both you and your date feel uncomfortable.

Tempering your expectations to be neither too high nor too low is also very good dating advice. Expecting too much out of just one date or of the person you are dating, is bound to end up disappointing you (both). Let’s face it, your date is only human and so are you; and first dates are notoriously a bit awkward.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: who foots the bill? The consensus in dating advice is that he/she who suggested the date pays. However, other people declare that it’s better to go Dutch every time and avoid hassles. There is yet another school of thought on dating advice that suggests that the man is not a “gentleman” if he doesn’t pick up the tab. In the case of a difference of policy between you and your date, come to a compromise that is mutually acceptable.

Maybe texting your date before your meeting is also a sound idea as it puts him or her at their ease and allows you to discuss interests or hobbies informally – in a less tense environment than a first date would be. This can help you choose a setting for the date that you would both enjoy.

The most important bit of dating advice though, is to remember that no one date is a deal-breaker. No date is the end, so if one doesn’t work out, why worry, there will be others. And if they doesn’t work, there are plenty of other people to go out with.