First date? Here's five things that you should not do if you want to make the right impression on the person you are meeting for your first date.

Don't arrive late

Someone, somewhere gave birth to the idea that it is fashionable to be 10 minutes late. It isn't. On a first date both of you are probably nervous and the last thing you need is to end up waiting around with that sinking feeling that you've been stood up. Make sure you've both got cell phones and, if you really, really have to be late, make sure you call the person you are meeting and keep them informed.

Don't appear desperate

It may have been a long time since you had a relationship but if you don't give out the vibes that you represent a 'good catch' you are going to have to wait a lot longer. Don't be arrogant or over-confident but try to just play it cool with the attitude that you've both arranged to meet to 'see what happens' - no more, no less. Don't expect too much from your first date.

Don't arrange to meet in a place where you are well-known

This looks really cool on television where 'everyone knows your name' but in real life it is not such a good idea. The last thing your date needs is to be made to feel like an 'accessory' whom you have picked for the evening, nor does it serve you well to appear to require the approbation of others in your choice of partner. Find a quiet restaurant to meet in and where they have one or two sittings an evening. If you choose the later one, you can take the evening in a leisurely manner.

Don't talk about your ex or your partner's ex if you can humanly avoid it

Compare lives, interests etc but try to steer clear of talk about a previous partner or relationship. We all like to feel that we are the 'one and only' and wistful or angry reminiscences of previous acquaintances will spoil your first date.

Don't get drunk

Drink will not make you the life and soul of the party - you will just end up being another drunken fool seeing the world through beer-bottle glasses. In doing so, you will undoubtedly embarrass yourself and your partner. Decide on a limit beforehand (say two glasses of wine or half-pints of beer) and stick rigidly to it. Have some non-alcoholic drinks in mind for when you've used up your allowance.

These aren't difficult rules to follow but, if you do, you give yourself the best chance of impressing your partner and finding a new relationship.

Good luck on your first date.