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Plan & Prepare. First impressions are important as we generally form an impression of a person within just minutes of meeting them. Blind dates are no different. Your first impressions sets the stage for the entire date, so be sure to prepare in advance! Preparing Yourself When it comes to appearances, select clothing that is appropriate for your date, such as casual for a movie or a little more dressy for a nice dinner date. Do not wear clothes that are too revealing, strange, or over the top. Get a fresh haircut or trim so that you look neat and well put together. You should also trim your nails (manicures and/or pedicures are always nice), shine your shoes, and/or iron your clothes, if needed. While this may be obvious, make sure that you shower, shave, and smell good. While a bit of cologne or perfume can be sexy, do not overdo it. Remember, you only have once chance at a first impression, so make it a good one! Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible Plan your evening ahead, but stay flexible so that you can easily change your plans if needed. If you've planned a night at a party, but realize that your date is more quiet and reserved, why not try a quiet dinner date? Who Pays If your date indicates that he is paying, it's up to you whether you take him up on that offer. Because this is your first meeting, you may want to make it clear from the start that you intend to pay for half of everything, that way you avoid feeling as if you owe him anything. Blind Date Safety. Blind dates can be fun and exciting, but remember that this is your first meeting. If you were set up by mutual friends, you may know a bit about the person and your friends may have an idea of your date plans. If not, you'll want to take a few extra precautions. Make sure that a friend knows where you will be and at what times, as well as the name of the person. Carry a cell phone with you at all times as a precaution. Another option is to make the first date a "double" date, so that you can have a friend join you. Where To Go (and what to do). The number one rule is to pick a public place. Not only is there safety in numbers, but you're likely to feel more relaxed and have fun when you're in a public place. For a blind date, you generally want to avoid the standard dinner date. If the date is not going well, you're stuck together for the entire meal. The same goes for movies and any other activity that generally lasts more than one hour. Keep the date short and simple because with shorter date plans, you can make a quick exit if you're not interested. If you are interested, you can stick around or arrange to meet up again in the future. You may also want to figure cost into the date factor. It's better to keep the date in the low-to-mid price range so that neither person feels pressure. This is especially important if one person is taking care of all of the date expenses. Whatever you decide, do something fun where you can have a good time and get to know each other. A few good options: Meet for coffee A dessert date in the evening Meet for lunch during the week Miniature golf Bowling Whatever you do, keep your activities comfortable, casual, and not over the top. A blind date is not the time to try new and exotic cuisines or to bungee jump. The First Meeting. Arrive a little early and offer a polite greeting and handshake when he/she arrives. Smile and be friendly, even if you are nervous. Men, be a gentleman and open doors, hang up her coat, pull out her chair, etc. Women, be polite and thank him if he does these things for you. Be Open Minded. Remember that this is a blind date. If you set your expectations too high, you will surely be disappointed. Secretly, we may all want good looking, highly intellectual, slapstick funny dates with an abundance of cash. That's not reality though. Stay open minded and free of high expectations for your date. This will allow you to relax and have a good time rather than setting yourself up for disappointment should the date not go well. Be Yourself. It's easier said than done, but relax, relax, relax. One of the biggest mistakes that people make on blind dates is trying to be someone that they aren't. Just be yourself. Do not feel pressure to wear heels if you normally wear sandals. If you feel more comfortable in jeans and a sweater, don't take her to a 5-start restaurant. During the date, answer questions honestly and talk candidly about yourself without exaggerating. Remember, your date wants to know who you are; not who you your date wants you to be. Making Conversation. Conversation is extremely important to the success of a blind date. Getting it started and keeping it going is essential. Think of a few general, light topics to bring up in the beginning. Ask about her family or his friends. Keep the conversation light, but really try to get to know them. Do: Ask about him. Ask about her family and friends. Ask about what he or she does for a living. Compliment your date. Ask about his or her interests and hobbies. Discuss music, film, food, and art. Talk about yourself (but not the entire time!) Show an interest in what he or she is saying. Stimulate the conversation with open-ended questions. Do Not: Discuss past relationships Talk in depth about topics that don't interest the other person. Speak badly about others. Say anything stupid, mean, or inconsiderate. Monopolize the conversation. Cross-examine your date. Ask close-ended questions that require only a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Body Language Also remember that first impressions are not just based on appearance, but on the way you communicate with your words, tone of voice, and body language as well. In fact, body language is actually the most important when it comes to communication. Don't focus on your body language so much that it feels forced because it will come across that way to your date as well. Relax and react appropriately. Keep your eyes on your date, not on yourself or others around you. If you're having a good time, give your date signs that you're enjoying their company. Things to Watch. While you should never go into a blind date with bad expectations, you should keep an eye out for a few 'warning signs'. He or she is wearing a wedding ring. He or she talks about past relationships throughout the date. He speaks badly about his mother or ex-girlfriends. He doesn't offer to pay (unless it was agreed to go dutch). He or she is rude to you directly. He or she treats the waiters rudely or doesn�t tip. He or she drinks a lot. He or she does not pay attention to you (i.e. they answer cell phone calls during the date, etc). Be aware of everything he or she says and how they say it. He or she displays any other disturbing, addictive, mentally ill, or criminal behavior. While there may be little things that you don't like about the person, such as their clothing or hygiene, it's the bigger things that you need to keep an eye out for. You do not want to end up with a self-absorbed, high-maintenance, or worse, an abusive person. Exit Strategy. In the even that a blind date isn't going well, be sure to have an exit plan in place. Have a friend on standby and a cell phone on hand at all times. If needed, excuse yourself to the bathroom and call your friend, having him/her call you back in 5 minutes informing you of an emergency for which you are needed. You may want to have your backup plan set ahead of time by arranging your friend to call 30 minutes into the date and use that as your out if needed. Another option would be tell inform him that you have plans an hour after the two of you are set to meet. If the date is going well, you can call and "cancel" these plans. If it's not going well, you have your out. Ending The Date. Saying goodbye at the end of a blind date has the potential to be very awkward. When the date is over, do what feels right. No matter what, you should remember to thank the other person. If your date went well, be sure to let them know that and mention that you'd really like to see them again. If it didn't go well, then you should not suggest or agree to meeting again, nor should you give your phone number or say you'll call them. This can string him/her along and create creates false hopes and impressions. It's generally better to be honest and upfront, but do it politely. If you don't want to see them again, say something like "I don't think we have a lot in common." Always be kind and make every effort to spare his or her feelings. Blind dates do not differ much from other first dates. With these ten tips, your blind date will hopefully turn into a second date!

Congratulations! You asked and she said yes. Now you're officially engaged and fully encompassed in the wedding planning process. The engagement period often leaves you feeling ready to head to Vegas to elope, but now is the time for patience, sensitivity, and romance. Yes, romance. Even though romance may not be on your mind, it's the one thing that will help you and your fiance get through this crazy engagement period even stronger than at the start of it.

1. Document the planning process.
   I can't stress how much your fiance will appreciate this down the road. If you're reading this before you've actually proposed, document the proposal as well. Set up a video camera or bring along a camera and take a few pics.
   
   When it comes to the actually planning, keep the camera close at hand. Your fiance is likely to be so busy planning that she'll have few memories of the actual planning process. Here are some photo ideas to get you started:
   • Take a picture of your fiance tasting cakes. Put a little icing on her nose jokingly and snap away.
   • Snap a pic of your ring bearer trying on his tux. Take along the ring pillow and ring.
   • Sneak a photo of her and her bridesmaid laughing together while putting together favors.
   • Take a photo of her asleep surrounded by her wedding magazines.
   • Save the rejected invitation samples and take a picture of the final one.
   • Take a picture of your bride-to-be signing a vendor contract.
   • Get a picture of her and her mom going through the guest list.
   • Don't forget to include a few pics from your guy's only functions. At your bachelor party, have a friend take a pic of you and your Best Man.
   
   After it's all over, surprise her with the photos in a pretty album or scrapbook. Trust me. She'll be thrilled.
   
   
2. Just nod.
   Ok, not really, but remember that your fiance is going through a very stressful time. Be honest and speak up if you don't like something, but at the same time, don't be overly picky. If you want to write your own vows rather than using standard vows, talk about doing just that. If you don't particularly care for the paper that she's printing your programs on, it's probably not significant enough to argue about. Keep in mind that sensitivity is a requirement during the engagement period.
   
   
3. Help when help is needed.
   Brides tend to jump right into wedding planning and take control over the entire process. If you're a groom-to-be that plans beside her, great. Otherwise, make an offer to help and then let her take you up on it. When she does ask for help, don't drag your heels. For instance, if she's putting together the guest list and needs your list, get it as soon as possible. Your fiance may be on a short string during this period, so be patient and do anything you can do to help out.
   
   
4. Stop talking.
   Not literally, but during the engagement period the wedding talk consumes you. Put the brakes on the contract, vendor, and planning discussions. Pretend that you're dating again and reconnect. Try talking about your days, recent current events, a good book, or a recent movie.
   
   
5. Date your fiance.
   Get away from the planning stress and go out a date together a few times a month. Head out for a romantic dinner or a new movie at the theater. You'll both appreciate getting away from the planning and having fun as a couple again. Check out these date ideas for a few creative ways to get out.
   
   
6. Pamper her.
   The engagement period is completely crazy and filled with so many high's and low's. Help your wife-to-be de-stress with a little pampering and romance. Surprise her at work with a bouquet of roses. Give her a sensual massage or a gift certificate for a day at the spa. Fill the bathroom with candles and settle her in for a relaxing bubble bath with a glass of wine. She'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and the de-stressing time.
   
   
7. Keep the families at bay.
   If your wedding planning is like most, you're going insane with the silly bickering. The key to surviving the engagement period with your families is to set the guidelines in the beginning. Sit down with both of your families and let them know your plans and what you expect from them. If your parents start to butt in, draw the line. If you don't, you'll both end up more stressed and fighting.
   
   
8. Get away.
   Head out of town for the weekend. Leave the stress behind and do nothing but relax. Go camping, head to a romantic bed & breakfast, or pick a little beachside motel for the weekend. The only rule: keep all wedding talk and wedding planners at home.
   
   
9. Reflect.
   While your fiance stresses over the wedding, take a little time to reflect on what the two of you are about to do. Write a letter to your fiance to give to her on the morning of your wedding. You could include a love quote or poem that describes your relationship or feelings. Most importantly though, write from your heart. Tell her what your impending vows mean to you and what your hopes for the future include.
   
   
10. Have fun!
    The number one tip for surviving the engagement period is to have fun with it! When you go to taste cakes, smash a little on her nose. When you're picking the reception location, grab her hand and 'test' the dance floor. Make up some funny vows and read them to her night. These little fun moments will make her laugh, lighten the stress, and bring you both back to the reality of your relationship. Just remember to soak it all in and enjoy the planning process.