When discussing dating, people always talk about dating etiquette and the "rules" of dating, but what actually are these and who exactly sets them? It is ridiculous to think that someone has sat down and produced a list of rules that people should adhere to when dating. Shouldn't people just be themselves and then they will find the right person, that knows them for who they are, rather than playing games all the time? Well maybe these rules are not as regimented as people make out, the process of dating is all about two people getting together to see if they are compatible it should be a relaxed and fun process.

Here are a few relaxed guidelines for you to consider when meeting a new date:

1. Dating should always be fun, so try and do something light hearted and enjoyable when going out on dates.

2. Always try and keep good eye contact with your date, this will show confidence and interest in what your date is saying.

3. Try and look your best when going out on a date, this will allow you to make a better impression than if you appear to have not made any effort at all and always make sure you smell good.

4. Always be as punctual as possible, it is rude to keep a date waiting and it is unacceptable to not show up at all. If you need to cancel a date for whatever reason then give as much notice as possible and be sincere. If you still intend to see this person again then rearrange another date as soon as possible and if you decide you do not want to rearrange then do not lead them on, be honest and always treat others as you would like to be treated.

5. Try and be complimentary and flattering, people always love to hear nice things about themselves and it will show you are taking an interest and being attentive.

6. Listen and pay attention to the stories and things that your date talks about, and ask leading questions to draw attention to the fact that you were listening and are engrossed in what they are saying.

7. Be chatty, amusing and witty as possible, nobody wants to feel that they have to do all the talking, so be responsive and interesting.

8. Try not to show off during the date or be too extravagant.

9. Similarly avoid being too opinionated or argumentative, some people do like a good debate or argument from time to time and others will just find it quite irritating, so leave the debates until you have known the person a little longer.

10. Also arrogance is never attractive so avoid being too self-important.

11. Don't talk about ex's, politics, religion, or any other conversation topics that are too heavy, especially on a first date.

12. Smoking and drinking should be kept to a minimum when first getting to know a new date, getting wasted really isn't acceptable behaviour(not for the first few dates anyway).

13. Never lie, it will always come back to haunt you and will then make you seem untrustworthy, if you lie about small things then people will doubt your honesty when it comes to big and important things.

14. Don't be too quick to judge people, I know that first impressions count for a lot but give your date a chance.

15. If during the date you come to realize that you are not really interested in the person you are with, then show them some respect and don't lead them on. Politely end the date and do not give them any false hope that you will be in contact, just simply thank them for a pleasant evening and say it was nice to meet you.

16. If you do get on with your date and wish to see them again arrange a time that you can contact them or arrange another date, try not to seem too needy or available though.

17. Never under any circumstances go on a date if you are already in a relationship, if you are not happy with your partner then end it, don't be a coward and do not deceive people.

18. Fundamentally and most importantly of all the rules or guidance I could give you, would be to be yourself. People will know if you are not being real or if you are misleading them, you cannot keep up a lie like that forever, so you need to be yourself from the start and your ideal partner will like you for who you are, not what you have pretended to be.