Dating advice is all over the internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on TV. There?s even an eight year old who wrote a book filled with great dating advise. That kid is pretty smart and must be really good with the girls, because while basic, all of his dating advise rings true. And that?s it really ? when it comes to dating, keep things simple.

Leave your past behind. There?s a reason it?s called the past. Anyone you get dating advise from will tell you that to have even one successful date, you need to dump all your baggage and start afresh. Talking to your date about how your ex mistreated you is definitely not the way forward. Sometimes it isn?t even necessary to talk, and a person who has been hurt once may be over suspicious of any new relationship and this could show in their attitude toward their date.

Dating advise pointer number 2, is be yourself. Sure, people like to put their best foot forward, and impress their date, but if they aren?t their usual selves, not only would they feel uncomfortable, but their date would pick up on the vibes as well.

Another useful bit of dating advise is to manage your expectations. If you expect too much out of one date, or of the person you are dating, it?s bound to be disappointing. Even your date is just human, and first dates are notorious for disasters.

A frequently asked question is who foots the bill? Most givers of dating advise agree in principle on this one, that it is the person who initiates the date that pays. However, some people insist that it?s better to go Dutch every time and avoid complications. There?s another school of dating advise thought though, that insists that the man pays for every date. The best thing to do in this case would be to settle for something that you and your date are both comfortable with.

Texting your date before meeting is also a good idea as it puts him or her at ease and allows you to discuss interests, hobbies in an informal and less tense environment than a first date would be. That would allow you to use this as common ground when things get awkward (as they generally do on the first few dates unless there?s an instant ?click?) and get the conversation going.

The most important bit of dating advise though, is to remember that no one date is a deal-breaker. If you get it wrong on the first date, you can always try again. If it still doesn?t work, there are always other people to date.