When you’re getting ready for a first date, it’s hard to figure out how hard you want to try. If you go too far, you come off as desperate. If you don’t put enough effort into trying to impress her, she’s going to think you’re not interested. Toeing the line between these two extremes takes a lot of skill, patience, and experience. If you don’t have all of that on your side, you’re in luck since you have us to give you a few key tips that will help you stay on your path to a second date with a gorgeous woman. Just remember that balance is everything.

What She’s Expecting

The tone of a first date is going to be set by your initial interactions. If you meet her on a dating site, for example, there are plenty of different women in the UK that come from all walks of life. Gauge what her interests are, and what kind of man she’s looking for. If she’s a laid back type of woman who’s more at home with a pint at the pub than a fancy dinner at an upscale restaurant, go easy on the gifts or flattery. Chatting her up is fine. On the other hand, if she’s high maintenance, take that into account as you decide how you want to approach her.

Don’t Get Too Personal

Gifts are usually reserved for holidays or special occasions, so giving a woman one on a first date can come across as a little strong. However, this also depends on what you’re getting her. Items that are personal seem like you’re trying too hard, and these include things such as perfume or jewelry. In theory, you may have been led to believe throughout your life that women love both of those things. They do, but only when they’re receiving them from specific people. Having a man who they’ve only just met try to present something they’re going to wear on a first date might seem a bit odd. On the other hand, a bouquet of nice flowers is a standard gift for a first date, that says you’re a class act, but you’re also not going too far or trying to sidle up to her too quickly.

Reasons to Skip a Gift

If you’re getting the impression that she’s not the gift type, a better tactic all around anyway is to simply make her feel special. Take her to a nice restaurant, or cater to her interests. Ask her what she’d like to do and go along with it. You can also make it clear that you are interested in her by taking the time to tailor a date specifically for her. Any man can flatter a woman with flowers and champagne, but taking the time to get to know her and what she likes is going to impress her far more. If she’s an art lover, take her to a museum. If she’s into sports, take her to a sporting match. Doing something special that isn’t material is always a good way to impress women.