There’s no getting around it – first dates can be pretty awkward. But fortunately, there are a few ways to make them as seamless as possible – at least, on your end.

HowAboutWe recently posted a study looking at first dates. The study was taken by French financial services group, AXA, to examine the “criteria first daters use to size each other up.” And thankfully, the findings are pretty much what you’d expect – and hopefully how you already act on a rendezvous. But you should know that you only have 12 minutes to make a good first impression on a date – so make it count.

And if you can at least pretend to be a nice person, you’re already halfway there (on a great first date).

Here’s what you shouldn’t do (per the study).

• Don’t have bad breath (pop a mint, people)
• Don’t smell bad (take a shower)
• Don’t not smile (please show you’re human)
• Don’t wear “scruffy clothes (dress neat)
• Don’t swear (you can do it, I swear!)

And finally, here’s what the findings tell you to do when you’re on a first date. Hint: If you’re not already doing these things, it might be time to reevaluate your life.

• Smile (please)
• Eye contact (make it happen)
• Have a “good tone of voice”
• Dress well (at least pretend you care)
• Don’t smell bad (pretty self-explanatory)

Follow these simple tips from the AXA and you should be good to go. Unless, of course, your date forgot to shower. Then feel free to exit the room.

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