First dates can be stressful, as-well as fun. Going out with someone you're attracted to for the first time may leave you reeling in anticipation, wondering if they like you as much as you like them, and how well you're going to get on with each other. Most of all, you'll want to create a favourable impression, and avoiding negative body language will help you do so.

# Grooming

It's important to pay attention to how you appear to a date. The way you look, and your personal aroma, will either help to attract or repel them. Even if you wear the most sophisticated of clothing, if you smell bad, you won't be thought of as attractive. Likewise, you may smell as fresh as a daisy, but if you wear clothes which are wrinkled and ripped, your date probably won't find you appealing.

# Habits

Although body language can help you attract someone you like, it can also turn them away. Bad physical habits are easily developed, and can make observers cringe without you realizing why. Scratching in personal areas, snorting spitting, and chewing your fingernails are all types of behaviors which should be avoided on a first date, (or any date).

# Eye contact

Certain forms of eye contact are great on a first date, but others are definitely a bad idea. Staring at your date, even if you really find them attractive, could make them feel nervous. Constantly giving admiring glances to other members of the opposite sex may make your date jealous and annoyed.

# Pleasure

At the same time signalling your pleasure to see other potential dates in other obvious ways can be off putting. Raising your eyebrows and smiling at attractive passers by won't score you any brownie points with your date.

# Hands off

Becoming physical before a date is ready and willing is a common mistake which can prevent individuals from scoring a second date. Everyone is different with regards to how comfortable they feel to engage in intimacy, and an action as simple as trying to hold their hand when they don't like the idea can lead to embarrassment and humiliation.

You will more easily know if your date doesn't mind you putting your arm around them, or giving them a hug, if you are observant of their body language. If they aren't keen on the idea they'll move away from you, and keep some distance between you and them. If you're not sure, the simple answer is to ask them, and if you feel bashful about asking them, you probably aren't ready to become more intimately acquainted yet anyway.

When the end of a date arrives, and it's time to say goodbye, you may feel like you want to kiss, or you may prefer to simply squeeze his or her hand, or blow them a kiss instead. If you have your heart set on a kiss on the lips, refrain if your date doesn't lean in towards you as you do to them, as this is their body language telling you they don't want to. Instead, simply smile and tell them know how much you've enjoyed being with them.

Avoiding body language which can show you in a poor light will help a first date to go smoothly and happily. By presenting yourself well, keeping bad habits under wraps and being mindful about observing your dates body language, you have a good chance of having a successful first date.