h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Plus Cleo if you invite a man around to your flat for a romantic dinner for two he's going to think (rightly or wrongly) that isn't the reason you invited him. So if thats what you have in mind go for it, if not make it clear! (i'm sure this featured in ally mcbeal or sex and the city or some other sitcom, maybe coupling).

Turn up sober. Funny how this is never mentionned in websites that give advice on dating and yet is far too common in this country. It is the reason why American and Canadian women see British men as hopeless with women. If you can't face a first date without an alcoholic drink then don't bother at all.

True. Plus, it doesn't really make a very good impression if you turn up a bit squiffy. Your breath will smell and you'll probably be unable to articulate a sentence. Sobriety's where it's at! I've just given up alcohol myself.

I don't drink much myself these days for health reasons. Drinking is fine when you are with friends you know well, but I would no more turn up for a date after having a little stiff drink than I would drink before a driving lesson or a job interview as I feel I would have to keep my wits about me. And the same goes for the men I date. In fact I've decided that I will not even drink alcohol during a first or second date, not even with a meal. Then if I get pressurised then I would know what my date's intentions would be. In any case wouldn't want to have sex with someone while tipsy or drunk.

That was definitely in coupling ali1.