Know Where You're Going and How You're Getting There

Some dates can be fun when they are totally spontaneous and full of surprise. but the first date is better when the basics are planned -- the surprises can come from your interaction and relationship rather than the arrangements. Be prepared about the particulars:

• How you are getting to your destination (taxi, bus, train, your own car, car service)
  
  
• How much time it will take (you want to arrive on time)
  
  
• What passes, tickets, or identification are necessary (Nothing was more annoying on his first date with Courtney than when Paul forgot to tell her that they were going across the border from Detroit into Windsor, Canada to a club. As it turns out, Courtney needed at least her driver's license to show the border guards. Not knowing this, she didn't bring proper ID, and they had to turn around and change their plans.)