Do you remember when you were a teenager and all you ever did was talk about dating – how to get a date, what to do when you were on a date, how to keep a date etc?

It seemed almost like a full time occupation!

I bet you and your friends would spend ages analyzing and advising each other on techniques to use and rules to follow in order to succeed.

It was a bit like having your own little version of the Sex and the City girls going on – talking about what to wear, where to go, when to call, when not to call and all the rest of it.

Suddenly though, we meet “the one”, settle down, have children and live a life of wedded bliss and slowly but surely forget all the stuff we learned about successfully dealing with the opposite sex.

So when the fairytale comes to a sudden and abrupt end and we are thrust unceremoniously back into the dating arena – well, we simply no longer have a clue what to do!

Sure enough, we start behaving like complete idiots rather than the epitome of  dating sophistication that we once were. We act desperate, call too often, laugh too much, ask the wrong questions and just basically lay ourselves wide open to being taken for a ride and getting hurt all over again.

Like it or not, dating is a game to be played and like all games, there are certain rules to follow to make sure you get to the end – passing “go” and picking up a few treats on the way!

If you want to find and keep your perfect match without getting hurt or losing your head, just refresh your memory with these few simple guidelines on how to play the game and win!

A Few General Dating Rules

Always make an effort to look good. I’m not saying you should be judged on your looks, but it is just good manners to make an effort when meeting your date.

Enigmatic women drive men wild. It pays not to reveal too much too soon!

Use your manners and lay off the bottle. Getting drunk, forgetting your “please and thank-yous”, arriving late – they all go towards creating an unfavourable impression rather than eliciting a second date.

Dating a married man is a ticket to getting your heart broken. Only rarely do they ever leave “the wife”. You’re just allowing yourself to be an amusing diversion. You deserve better.

Try dating “a different type”. It was your “usual type” that put you in the position you’re in!

If he starts showing signs of neediness and insecurity, head for the hills! Chances are, you’ve already got children – you’re looking for a man, not a boy.

Never ever talk about past lovers and how they “performed”. Men do not like it – ‘nough said.

Don’t ever tell lies to your date. A year down the line when you’re blissfully in love, all can be shattered by the discovery of that one untruth when you were just starting out. Besides, you’re good enough as you are – you don’t need to make things up just to impress! Good relationships are based on honesty and trust.

Should you or shouldn’t you? You know what I mean! Sex on the first date…. Well, in my opinion, it’s a no-no. I wouldn’t think much of him afterwards, and I’m pretty sure it’d change his opinion of me too!

Finally – be safe! And I don’t just mean if you choose to ignore my last piece of advice. (Incidentally, women can buy condoms too you know). Anyway, tell your friends when you’re meeting him, where you’re meeting and make sure you take your phone.

Always remember, you’re gorgeous, you’re funny, you’re fabulous and the world is your oyster!