Real Girl Tips

The Date

6 P.M.: Getting Ready

You want him to open the door and think, Wow!—but without looking like you’re trying too hard. Strike the balance by pairing your cutest jeans with an off-theshoulder tee or a strappy tank—something that shows just a touch more skin than usual. (He’ll definitely notice!) Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to get ready, so you don’t have to rush or make him wait.

7:15 P.M.: At the door

Even if you and your guy talk all the time, the first moment of a Real Date is nerve-racking — so much buildup! Keep your cool and calm his jitters by giving him a warm hi and a quick hello hug. Then make a joke that acknowledges the weirdness (“Full disclosure: I changed three times!”) — it will diffuse any pressure. (If he honks from your driveway, wave him in for just a minute while you grab your purse and jacket.)

7:25 P.M.: On the way

Your instinct may be to ask a bunch of questions to get him to open up, but that can feel like a college admissions interview. Instead keep the convo moving by making funny observations. (“Do you ever accidentally make eye contact with the people stopped next to you at a red light? I hate that!”) Don’t worry about silences — you can always default to talking about what’s playing on his iPod. Since he picked the music, he’ll have stuff to say about it.

8:10 P.M.: At dinner

If you think he might pick up the check or don’t know how much food to order, ask him what he’s getting and choose a dish around the same price. When the check comes, offer to split it. If he insists on paying, don’t push it — just thank him and say you’ll buy him ice cream next!

10:30 P.M.: Saying goodnight

If you want to go out again, let him know by bringing up something you talked about earlier (“So when do I get to beat you at Guitar Hero?”). Ready for a kiss? Don’t rush out of the car when he drops you off — move closer to him and keep eye contact. If it’s on his mind too, he’ll lean in!

11 A.M.: The next day

Play it cool and let him reach out to you: Texting first can seem overeager. If he’s interested in you, you’ll probably hear from him by the end of the day. In the meantime, enjoy the rush you get after an awesome date — it’s exciting to know anything could happen next!