Sometimes I wish there was a set of rules that dictate dating and explicitly set out what is required and what isn’t of each sex. However, these rules do not exist, but I have listed below 10 things that if a guy fulfilled on a first date, I would be suitably impressed.

A lot of guys think that to impress a girl, you have to flash around a lot of money, however, I find that the simplest things are the best. Read carefully guys, below is a list of some of the simple things that can take you from a zero to a hero when dating in London.

1) Buy her flowers

You may think this is outdated, but nothing beats flowers. It could be a single flower or a bunch, it doesn’t matter, flowers impress and never get old. They are also a nice reminder for the girl the next day of how amazing you are!

2) Dress nicely

I’m not saying that you should be wearing a full suit, but a collared shirt never goes astray with some fitted jeans. If you’re feeling adventurous or a bit chilly, you can always throw in a jacket. The jacket is also handy later in the evening if your date needs a little extra warmth!

Make the effort. There is nothing better than opening the door and seeing a well presented man on your doorstep with the flowers described in point one.

3) Have a nice scent

I could write paragraphs upon paragraphs on how much I like to hug a guy who smells amazing, but I just don’t have the time. Just know that there is something incredible delicious about a guy with a great cologne. Nothing too overwhelming, but something that has the girl leaning in for more.

4) Arrive on time, if not five minutes early

There is nothing more annoying than someone who is late. Whether it’s a first date or the fifth date, be on time! In this day and age where we have mobile phones and can contact each other if we are running late, we have become complacent. Remember when we didn’t have mobile phones? You organised to meet someone at a certain place at a certain time and you would be there because there was no way to change plans. That is the mentality that we should have; always.

5) Don’t talk about yourself all the time

In particular, no one wants to know what a great job you have, how much you get paid, the people you know and how you are the first to be invited to any event. In fact, try not to talk about great you are all the time. It gets old. However, this doesn’t mean don’t talk about yourself, it just means that there is a big difference between confidence and cockiness.

6) When she talks, LISTEN!

Don’t just pretend to listen, actually do it. Trust me, you’ll reap the rewards when you surprise her by remembering something she said earlier in the night.

7) Try to take her somewhere fun

While dinner or the cinemas can be nice, try to be imaginative. Consider the weather and season. Think outdoor cinema in summer, ice skating in winter and always, always have a back up plan. What can be a romantic walk along the river isn’t so romantic when it is raining and miserable. Click on these ideas if you havent got a clue.

8) Show her YOUR personality

Personality can take a guy from a seven to a nine, easy. A guy who can make me laugh and better yet, a guy who can laugh at himself; HOT!

9) Don’t get drunk

This is key. There is nothing more irritating than a guy who is clearly struggling to keep it together and tends to ramble in a conversation because they don’t actually know what they are talking about. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t have a drink at all, but know your limits and stick to them.

10) When it comes time for the bill, pay

While the girl may offer to pay half, the gentlemanly thing to do is to pay for everything. This is also a good way to get another date if you are interested in the girl as you can tell her she can pay next time. If you don’t want another date with the girl…well I’m pretty sure I don’t need to tell you how to go about that and if you do, then you have bigger issues than learning how to impress a girl.

So while this list is a great start, it is not exhaustive. There are many other little things that you can do, use your brain. As a general rule, being a gentleman is a winner. Open the door for her, walk on the road side of the footpath when strolling (I actually learnt that one from a guy I dated…it has something to do with keeping the girl safe from traffic. Think about it), and be polite no matter how awful the date is.

So keep these in mind on your next date and good luck!