• Any first date could be the last.dating couple image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  According to Random Facts, over half of all single adults in America have not gone on a date in two years or more. While finding a date itself proves challenging in some of these cases, another issue is the stress brought on by the act of dating. With the help of dating etiquette tips, however, awkward or embarrassing situations are less likely to happen, leading to better dates and possibly removing the need to date ever again if true love blossoms.
  
  

Establish Eye Contact

• Whether it's the first date or the fiftieth, strong eye contact plays a critical role in a successful date. This shows respect for the other person and reinforces who the number one priority of the evening is. "Eye contact is crucial," says Top Dating Tips.
  
  

Listen

• No matter how strong the desire is to talk, be prepared to listen over everything else. A good date is not doing himself any favors by boasting continually or hogging the conversation. Instead, listen carefully for conversational cues and speak when an appropriate times arises. Never interrupt or seem more concerned with speaking than hearing about the other person.
  
  

Keep Flattery to a Minimum

• Whether guy or girl, no date wants to spend the entire conversation hearing repeated praise. That makes for a dull conversation and also makes the person paying the compliments seem overly eager. A few back-and-forth compliments are encouraged, but be careful not to overdo it at the risk of coming across as desperate or focused on the wrong things.
  
  

Avoid Intoxication

• While a single drink proves useful from time to time for taking that edge off, be careful not to drink to intoxication. Alcohol is notorious for loosening tongues, and dating conversation is better when done in a tactful, controlled manner. Chances are, if something comes out while drunk that would not have come out otherwise, it will only lead to regret.
  
  

Be Prepared to Pay

• There are no rules written in stone with regard to who picks up the check at the end of a dinner date. With that said, having no expectations of paying and letting it show when the check arrives is not likely to impress. Both parties should at least attempt to pay for the entire meal, and if neither side relents, splitting the costs is a good compromise. According to A to Z of Manners & Etiquette, however, guys should still be prepared to pay for at least the first date.
  
  

Be Punctual

• No matter what the excuse is, even if it is a legitimate one, showing up late to a date almost guarantees a shaky start, one that may even prove impossible to recover from. Make plans to show up early or at least be right on time. Anything less indicates poor organization skills at best and a lack of respect at worst, according to Top Dating Tips. Neither attribute is appealing.