INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The place of the date definitely sets the tone for the date. If you are trying to be more romantic and lavish, reserve a table at a fancy restaurant. If you want to be more casual, consider taking her out for ice cream or to a casual bar. If you do decide to go for the casual date, be sure the place won't be too crowded. You don't want to have to deal with the frustration of waiting in line for the entire time. It can also make it difficult to talk if the place is too crowded If you decide to go for the fancy date, be sure the items are within your price range. It is silly to spend hundreds of dollars on a first date if you don't have the money for it. Generally, it is a good idea to pick her up from her house because it shows that you really care about the date. This will also give you a chance to talk on the way. It is an especially good place to ask her about her music tastes since you will be able to easily play music in your car. If you would like to be romantic, buy her flowers and give them to her when you pick her up. It is a nice gesture and shows that you have been thinking about the date for a while. Roses are always a good choice if you are unsure of which type of flower to buy. If you feel this is too forward or old-school, skip it. It is key to make sure you dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're going to a fancy restaurant, wear nicer clothes than if you were taking her to a movie and ice cream. Take a shower, fix your hair, put on deodorant and cologne, brush your teeth, carry gum, wear a nice clean shirt, pants, and shoes, and don't forget to shave your face. Your time and effort in your looks will let her know that you care. If you are unsure of what to wear for where you are going consider these different dress codes: Casual: This is what you would likely wear if you were getting ice cream, going to the park or to a bar. Check out our article on how to dress casual. A good outfit could be a polo, nice jeans or khakis, and reasonably nice shoes. Semi-formal: This is a good option for dinner and a movie at a nice restaurant and theater. Check out our article on how to dress semi-formally. Try to wear clothes that you reserve for nicer occasions, instead of everyday street wear. Getting stood up is no fun for anyone, so try to make sure it doesn't happen. This will also show her that you have been thinking about the date and that you want to make sure it happens. Sending a quick "Looking forward to seeing you at 7" should be sufficient. Checking your phone for texts or emails during the date will show her that you do not truly care about the date. It sends the message that she is not as important as your phone. If you are expecting an important call, tell her beforehand.

SUMMARY: Figure out where you want to take your date. Decide whether or not to meet her at the place or pick her up from her house. Consider buying her flowers. Look good. Consider messaging her before the date to confirm. Put your phone on silent.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Not only will making eye contact keep your eyes off of a girl's chest, it's also a sign that you're confident and engaged. To keep your eyes focused on hers, try noticing the color of her eyes or what shape they are. If you're having trouble maintaining eye contact, try looking at the space in between her eyes instead. Remember to look away every so often. Constant eye contact can also make people feel uncomfortable. Smile and nod along while she's speaking so she knows you're still engaged. Make eye contact with her every so often so she doesn't think you're uninterested. Also do this when you're speaking. It will look like you're searching your brain for the right thing to say. If there's a pretty view outside, point it out to the girl you're talking to so you both shift your bodies and gazes toward it. If you're inside, point to a photograph or something else on the wall and say "I've never noticed how interesting that is before." By directing both of your attention elsewhere, it will be easier to not stare at her chest. If you feel yourself getting distracted and wanting to stare at a girl's chest, turn your seat so it's facing the same direction as hers. If you're facing each other, move your chair so it's next to hers and continue the conversation while you're both looking in the same direction.

SUMMARY: Focus on making eye contact. Stare off to the side when you're talking to a girl. Point out something interesting you can both look at. Adjust your seat so you're both looking in the same direction.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Though you may have a lot to do, it's nice to greet and welcome each arriving guest into your home yourself, rather than having another guest let them in. This is their first impression of your new home, and greeting them yourself sets the best tone for the party. When each guest arrives, offer him a drink. Give an overview of the options and offer to pour a drink for him. If he declines initially, show him where the drinks are and encourage him to help himself whenever he is ready. You may want to wait until a small group has arrived so that you don't have to give as many individual tours. Guests love to see all of the rooms of your new home, including closets and pantries. If you have any unfinished rooms, ask guests if they have any suggestions for how to use or organize the space. This will take the focus off of the fact that you're not unpacked yet and give guests an opportunity to feel helpful. Feel free to tell guests that they cannot go into certain rooms. It is your home, after all, and you do not have to show everyone every room in the house. You may want to put all the food out at once, but you can also put food out in waves. You could start with 2 or 3 food trays, then add to them or provide new things as the evening progresses. Encourage your guests to eat and ask them about any dietary restrictions or allergies as you direct them towards the different food options. Consider keeping the food and drink areas separate to avoid crowding. Providing two or more locations for food can also prevent crowding. Try not to spend too much time with any one party guest, but circulate around and speak with everyone. Be sure all your guests know each other, and if you are introducing two people who have never met, try to point out something that you think they may have in common. Remember that people may have different styles and visions for homes, and that some of your guests may not have the privilege of owning a nice home. Always be gracious and be genuinely grateful that your guests have come to see and celebrate your new home with you. If you plan to serve a sit-down meal, try to serve it at the appropriate time. Most of your guests should have arrived, but no one should have been there long enough that they feel ready to leave. Towards the end of the night, consider serving your guests coffee and dessert (if you did not have dessert trays out already). This will be a signal to your guests that the party is winding down, and providing coffee before guests drive home is a nice way to help keep them safe. Be sure to thank guests for coming before they leave.

SUMMARY:
Greet each guest who arrives yourself. Offer each guest a drink. Offer guests a tour of your home. Put the finger food out on tables. Mingle with everyone. Accept compliments about your new home graciously. Serve dinner when you feel the time is right. Serve coffee and dessert.