No matter how wonderful your date is compared with the schmucks you've been seeing (or married to) do not tell him that he is a nice guy.

That is just one of many pieces of advice to consider when what should be the simple pleasure of getting to know another human being can buckle under the weight of unrealistic expectations and the baggage of previous relationships.

A shared sense of humor is important. Try to bring laughter to the date. Try to get a laugh out of the guy. That way you know you've got something. If he doesn't get your jokes what else is he going to get about you?

Be yourself.

People sometimes try too hard to impress. If they just relax a little, the date will go better and they will not have to worry about any of those little embellishments backfiring later on.

The worst thing people do on first dates is lie. They are trying to improve their status so you will be interested in them.

Do not give up.

But in case things do not go well take your cell phone. A discreet call to a friend can help you engineer an early end to the date.

If you are meeting someone you know only through a personal ad or an online dating service be sure to go to a place with plenty of other people around. And do not blab out your whole life story on the first date. Keep it general: music, books, movies.

There is a difference between first dates and the first face-to-face contact with someone you connect with through a dating service or ad. That is a meeting to assess each other, not a date.

Make it short. If you are comfortable and seem to be compatible set up a date to spend more time together.

Remember that the first date is supposed to be fun. You are getting to know this person and he is getting to know you. It should not be something that feels like a meeting with your boss.

Look for something creative and make sure it allows you to interact. It will help if the activity relates to a shared interest, such as art or music.

Doing something you enjoy takes the pressure off.

Women sometimes crank up the pressure because of the hope that this guy is "the One". Slow down; it's just a date.

Have realistic expectations about a first date. Some people start planning their wedding and others expect the worst.

Have a specific plan. Do not leave things up to chance. Flexibility is nice but it reduces anxiety to know what to expect in terms of activity and how to dress.

If the date goes well do not hang on until the wee hours of the morning. There will likely be a next time.

And if it is a dud do not make any promises you will not keep. Do not be encouraging if you feel no interest in further socializing. Do be honest and say you feel there is not a basis for anything other than friendship and let your date take it from there.

Pick yourself up and move on. There are 110 million single adults in the United States alone.

Give 'em a chance. Take the time to listen and look for their special qualities.

The Number One mistake people make on first dates is to judge the other person too quickly and harshly. Always keep an open mind. There is so much to discover about a person.