Tips for planning your first date

Before planning a date, find out what they like doing – maybe watching movies or sports games, going to museums, walking, dancing. Also find out what's a nice, quiet place near where you live that will give you both some privacy to talk. Remember, dates don't have to be fancy or expensive. They can be simple like meeting at a tea stall and then taking a walk in the park.

First date

Often first dates can be tense. They can make you nervous or give butterflies in your tummy. There could be awkward moments on your first date – when you think you've said something silly or when you just don't know what else to say. Don't worry too much, the key is to remain calm. Don't assume that the first date is going to make or break your future. First dates are simply a way to find out if the other person is pleasant and open to the possibility of further dates.

To learn what you must and must not do on your first date read our first date do’s and don’ts.

Once you've crossed the hurdle of the first date and found out that both of you like spending time with each other, you can start thinking about future dates. It doesn't always have to be your responsibility to decide what you do on dates – you can put the ball in their court too. Over the next meetings, you should try finding out more about this person, about their likes, dislikes, past and ambitions for future. This will let you figure out if you have a future together or might make you think that it's not going to work out after all.

When to kiss, hold hands and have sex?

While you are dating, you might want to hold hands, kiss, hug or even have sex with your partner. There's nothing wrong if you feel that way. If you're not entirely sure of the other person’s thoughts on these issues, talking about it can help. You can be straight forward and ask your date, “Can I kiss you?” or “How would you feel if I held your hand?”

Having sex with your lover is a big decision. Take one step at a time. You might want to talk to your partner about it before you make the move. The most important thing is to know if they feel the same way and are comfortable in going ahead with sex. Read more here about having sex for the first time.

If your partner doesn't want to have sex with you, respect their feelings. Their choice could be based on to religious belief, cultural reasons or personal inhibitions. Maybe they want to wait till they’re married, or maybe they simply don’t feel ready for sex. Give them all the time and space they need to think about it and make up their mind. And then accept their decision, whatever it is.