With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many people will be going on special dates with prospective paramours. A dinner date at a restaurant is romantic, and both parties should be on their best behavior for the occasion. Use these tips to help you make a strong, positive first impression.

Do:

Ask questions.

Don’t treat the date as an interview, but do take an interest in the other person. Focus on important subjects, like work, family life, and hobbies. Steer clear of potentially controversial topics, such as religion, money, and politics.

Watch your body language.

Even if you’re having fun, your body language may be communicating otherwise. To prevent yourself from accidentally showing disinterest, keep your arms uncrossed, make frequent eye contact, and refrain from looking over your date’s shoulder.

Mind your manners.

Practicing regular table manners will help you seem polished and mature. Swallow your food before you speak, keep your elbows off the table, and use the utensils to eat. Forgetting your manners may be a turn-off, and you may come across as rude.

Don’t:

Scarf down your food.

Even if you’re hungry, keep pace with your date so that you can enjoy the entire meal together. To slow yourself, cut each bite into small pieces, chew thoroughly, and drink plenty of water.

Put on an act.

While you should be polite, respectful, and engaging, don’t overhaul your personality to impress a date. Speak truthfully about your interests and be genuine when talking about yourself.

Check your phone constantly.

Frequently looking at your phone shows your date that you’d rather be somewhere else. It also prevents you from participating fully in the conversation. Turn your phone on silent and put it away for the evening.

If you want to impress your date, follow these simple tips and take them to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Head to Tante's Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar in Wailuku, HI, for romantic ocean views and delicious food. This eatery uses the freshest ingredients to create classic entrees, like their furikake crusted salmon, New York steak, and seafood platters. View their dinner menu online, or call (808) 868-2148 to make a reservation.