This is the second article in a three part series of articles by guest writer Anita Hashmani on how any guy can get any girl. Read as Anita walks us through the entire process, starting from the approach all the way into a long-lasting relationship. In part 2, Anita talks about how to fan the flame.  Click here for part 1, where she talks about how to act when you first meet the girl.

Part 2: She kind of likes you. Keep it that way

It’s date night! By this point you should have already texted or called your person of interest (by the way, it really doesn’t matter when you contact her. If she likes you, she likes you. No amount of waiting is going to enhance that). So, where to? The movies? Dinner? Happy hour? Miniature golf?!? Well guess what… it really doesn’t matter. Guys spend too much time worrying about the what and the where.  A fancy restaurant or a crazy adventure isn’t going to sway her opinion. She just wants to get to know you so don’t try too hard to impress her.  If the real you is mountain climbing followed by a fancy dinner, she’ll love it. If the real you is a Grande Cafe Americano at Starbucks, she’ll love that too.  Focus more on keeping your cool and getting to know each other.

This second part lists the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” that apply to your first couple weeks of dating. If you got the girl to agree to go out with you, chances are she’s interested. You already somewhat impressed her. Don’t ruin it! Just be yourself and have a little bit of self control.

• Pay for everything (don’t shoot!) on the first date. It shows that you are generous. Even if you’re a student with no job, you should still be able to take care of the first date (picnic anyone?). While women don’t care how much money a guy has in his bank account, they will get turned off by stinginess. If she’s a keeper, she won’t let you pay without a fight.
• Don’t be late, open the door for her, and pull out her chair.  Contribute to the revival of chivalry!
• Flirt via text message. I’m a huge fan of text messaging. It’s less awkward than phone conversations and there’s no pressure to be witty on the spot. Just make sure it’s once every couple of days, not once every couple of hours.
• Try to keep the cockiness to a minimum. Don’t show off about your money or your job or your friends. Once she gets to know you, she’ll realize that you’re kind of a big deal.
• Don’t be too available. You don’t need to hang out every time she asks. Blow her off, just once. Say you’re too tired from work. It’ll show her that she’s not the center of your universe.
• Don’t be a baby if she’s busy one night and can’t meet up. There’s nothing more annoying than a guy practically begging a girl to hang out after she made it clear that she’s busy.  Would you like some cheese with that wine?
• Don’t talk about an ex that broke your heart. It will seem like you’re still in love with her. Plus, bitterness is not attractive. Confessions about past heart breaks can come later on.
• No booty calls. If I need to explain this, there’s no hope for you.
• Rules about first date kissing, holding hands, spending the night together are all personal preference. All I can say is, try to read the signals, don’t just assume.

Just follow these steps for a couple of weeks and you’ll be good to go. Give that girl some butterflies! Once a certain level of comfort is achieved, you can do away with these silly rules. You’ll know when the time has come to put your guard down.

In part 3, Anita talks about how to keep the relationship alive and kicking.  Read ahead!

Image from allegri.