Single Parents - Tips for That First Date with Someone New

Being a single parent in the dating scene can present many challenges. Below are several tips on what to do and not to do during a first date.

1. Do not be late. Make sure that your arrangements for your kids are air-tight. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Being late for a first date can make the person think that you've stood him or her up, and probably won't get you a second date no matter how good your excuse.

2. Be sure to observe your date's behavior. Is he or she rude to the waitress or other people? Do you feel comfortable around this person or do you feel uneasy beyond the typical first date nerves? The way a person behaves is a much more reliable indicator of their character than the words that they say.

3. Do keep a positive attitude. Find things to compliment like clothes, accomplishments, and how well the date is going. If you cannnot find anything to like, then do not give any compliments as none are better than lying. Do not complain about your life, the date, etc. If you're not happy due to things that are in control of your date, then do not go out with the person again.

4. Do not discuss your kids all night. Your date wants to get to know you, not your children, at least not yet. While you may find the subject fascinating, he will probably just be bored.

5. Be yourself with your date. While it is natural to want to impress your date, you do not want to mispresent yourself as this will come back to haunt you later.

6. Do not discuss items in your life that may need repair such as your house or car, or your long to do list. Unfortunately, single parents can be stereotyped as being high maintenance since we have no spouse. You want to avoid the impression that you are interested in household help, and refuse offers of help unless you have been dating for awhile. Project the idea that you have things under control.

7. Do thank your date and if you are interested in seeing him or her again, be sure to mention how much you enjoyed the date, meeting him or her, etc.

Follow these single parent dating tips to have the best chance of a successful first date.