You finally landed the big date with that guy/girl you've had your eye on. The big day is coming this weekend, and you can't figure out where to start! Should you be early or right on time? Should you meet there or carpool together? What should you wear? Should you dress up? How should you smell? What do you talk about? These are common first-date questions. Fortunately, the rules of dating are simply guidelines. To make the best of your first date, be aware that you can always bend the rules.

1. Money Matters
If you're hitting the town's hotspot, a fancy Italian restaurant, decide beforehand how the bill will be paid to avoid embarassment later. Even if you are the woman, bring cash in case you decide to split the bill. Chivalry is not yet dead, but it's also rude to expect your date to always foot the bill, especially if you chose the restaurant. To casually handle the situation, ask your date before ordering if you can put your order on a separate tab to make paying easier. If your date insists on picking up the tab, extend your thanks and offer to cover the tip.

2. Dress to Impress
Even if you're hitting the local beach or mall, it's still important to avoid bum status. Try to leave your tattered and bleach-stained T-shirts in the back of the closet where they belong, and pick out a nice top and pants or shorts (not too short, ladies! They're not underwear!) to suit the situation. Although you're going someplace casual, you still want to show that you've put some thought into your clothes choice so you'd be visually pleasing.

3. Conversation
Playful banter is a common choice for first dates, but if you spend the whole date flirting with one another and trying to attract each other's attention, you might just be wasting time. You're already on the date! Try not to over-exert yourself getting attention. Use the time to get to know your date and discover common interests. It will be easier to suggest a second date later if you know what your date is into. You will most certainly attract your date back if you've not only hit it off, but remembered the name of their first dog.