So, you finally got a date with a hot woman, one of the few you are happy to date and the big plan is a basketball game at the local venue! Maybe you met her on the web, or maybe some smooth line as you passed her waiting in line at Starbucks gave you the shoe in for the night out. Regardless, there are certain rules of the trade when it comes to dating women (especially worthy ones) that you must adhere to or risk never getting a second chance to make a good impression.

Let’s say you plan to meet at a midway point and drive downtown together. This proves you aren’t psychotic and ensures a fast getaway should the night go array. When she gets in the car, there can be those awkward moments of silence where neither of you really know what to say. Often the speed of the Atlanta dating scene means you don’t learn a lot about a person beforehand. At this point, the only thing between the two of you is possibly some sexual chemistry. Don’t blow it by talking about your ex-girlfriend, the size of her boobs or your mother. These are two things that are first date deal breakers silcening your chances at a second date.

Make sure you are showered and clean, but not so much so that she is leaning towards the window gasping for breath from the imposter cologne you swiped at the flea market. While conversation may be limited, this by no means entails that cranking up the tunes to the point where you car is thumping down the road is in order. Try to be as inhumanly male as you possibly can be and at least pretend to be interested in her mind for a while. You never know, you might find out she’s a pretty cool chic.

And most importantly, while you may have been single for a while, remember that tonight you are not… and neither the cheerleaders nor the busload of single women who came scoping men at the game are yours for the taking (at least not tonight). You can snag numbers and take second looks when you aren’t on a first date. This behavior is a big turn off for women especially on a first date.

Another word to the wise is to ignore your usual proneness to road rage and keep your rude and crude comments to yourself while driving. Obey the street signs and laws and contain your temper or you may turn her off to the point of nervousness. The idea is for her to think you are a levelheaded, considerate and intelligent man; unlike all the other dirtballs she has dated recently. If you do a first date the right way, you may just get a second. When you get to the game, show some manners and open the car door for her. Even if you never do it again, it is important to do it on a first date. All women are paying attention.

While the vast majority of women claim to be independent and forward thinking creatures who are interested in the plights of women, there is something sensual and hot about being taken care of by a man. (This is one of those deep secrets women try to hide, but it’s true!) This means you should bring enough dough to buy her a drink and hot dog and not act insulted by the over-inflated cost of things at the concession stand. Splitting the date is one of those things you can discuss down the road (should you get there) when she realizes how little you really make bouncing at the bar. If she seems cold, offer her your jacket and show the world that the two of you are together by casually placing your hand near her hips when she walks. If you cling too tightly, she will run away; and if you act as if you are leading dogs on a coon hunt, she will find you masochistic at best. Always find the happy medium, no matter how compulsive your real traits are. Avoiding first date deal breakers with women is actually easier than you think.

Since she agreed to go to a game with you, which she may not really care about, realize that making it fun for her is your priority. No matter how poorly your team does, try not to curse and jump up and down as if you could coach them better. Take some time to talk to her and only explain the game to her if she asks, otherwise you risk insulting her. Spend some time getting to know her and treat her as more than a door prize. At the end of the date, no matter how attracted you are to each other, insist on ending things at a great kiss. The lowly truth is that if she sleeps with you on the first date, you won’t think much of her the next morning and it will be a point of contention for the rest of your lives should the relationship take off! Huge first date deal breaker.

Most women know what they want from a man in their lives and there are some things which she will not settle for. While it is charismatic and enticing to be yourself, especially in the interest of honesty - it is also very important to show her respect. If in a few years you end up marrying this woman, the first date is one of those things that a girl never forgets the details of. Make it memorable.