Eating With Dignity (It's harder than it sounds!)

First, I want to openly admit that I am a klutz. So eating around others has sometimes turned out for the worst and ruined more than one article of clothing.

Eating with dignity is a lot harder than it sounds (especially for the "coordination challenged") and even the most adept people can be thrown for a loop when also faced with first date jitters or the like.

DO order/make something that's not too terribly messy. Sloppy joes, slurpy pasta, lobster, and the like are probably better for another time.

DON'T order/make things that can stain if you can help it. Granted, many people will take a chance (a well-deserved one) on a glass of wine or the like. Coupling this wine with, say, an appetizer and an entree that also have bright red foods could have you ending the night looking like an axe murderer.

DON'T be afraid to order what you like but be polite. If you are paying, take into consideration that your date will be looking to you to set the average price of the entree she/he should order. If you aren't paying and your date orders a $11 entree, try to stay around that price range as well. Getting something very expensive is rude while getting something costing very little can make your date feel guilty.

DO order something "substantial" but not more than you can eat. If you are really nervous and don't think you can eat it all, eat half and ask for a to-go box or see if the waiter can give you a half portion. Try to eat something, ladies. Several polls have shown that many men get quite annoyed when their dates eat little to nothing on dates.

DON'T throw food, no matter how funny you think it is. Just trust me on this one. The exception to this is if you're at Lambert's Cafe and you're throwing a roll.

DO use your napkin and adhere to table manners in the culture of which you are presently. It never hurts to brush up on your table manners anyway.

DON'T drink and dance at the same time or your date may end up wearing your appletini.

These are just some general suggestions. If these sound like a no-brainer, then you are probably already a fairly pleasant dinner date. For the rest of us, however, a few tips and tricks never hurt.