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The dating game is tricky, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, loads of new couples will be embarking on that all important first date.  Sue Ostler was interviewed this week on Scottish TV’s The Hour.

But what things should you do on the night – and what shouldn’t you do – to make sure you secure a follow-up date?

Sue Ostler from the Flirt Diva Academy has some advice for those taking the leap with a new partner. According to her, one of the biggest mistakes girls can make is wearing a revealing outfit. She explained: “Girls often make the mistake of flashing the flesh and it does create the wrong impression.

“It’s intimidating for men actually when women overdo it, or when they’re showing too much, or when they’re really over the top. Sue added: “I think it’s rather nice for the first date if you leave a little for the imagination and wear something quite demure, something quite understated. Think of it almost as you would a job interview, but a little more relaxed.”

Drinking too much on a first date is a recipe for disaster too, that can be both embarrassing and dangerous. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water helps you to keep in control of the situation, and can drive a conversation without turning into a giggling, silly mess.

Anyone who has ever been stuck on a bad date will know that being with someone who is full of their own self-importance is one of the biggest turn-offs, so make sure not to talk too much about yourself. Offering up little bits of information about yourself, and asking tag questions, that will get your date to tell you more about them, is the best way to go, Sue advises.

Body language is a big indication of whether things are going well, so guys should look out for signs that his date is into him. These include the girl playing with her hair and the stem of her wine glass, and laughing at all his jokes. Unfortunately, however, men more often than not don’t pick up on subtle signs like this!

Sue also thinks it’s wise to plan ahead when going on a date. Of course, everyone knows about the rescue phonecall, but Sue thinks the rescue text is a little more subtle, and ensures if you are having a bad time, or feel at all in danger, that you have a plan of escape.

Finally, you should avoid ordering any food that is messy to eat, such as pesto, Spaghetti Bolognese or anything that has to be picked up, because this is not a good look when trying to impress a would-be partner!

And Sue believes that guys should act like gents and treat their date with respect, by paying for dinner on the first date. She said: “Look, we’re modern women, and yes it’s the 21st century, we don’t need a man to pay for us, we don’t expect a man to pay for us – but you know what, we like a man to pay for us.”

Sue has written a book called Flirt Diva – For Women Who Want to be Bold and Sassy and have a Fabulous Life!