get rid of your dating demons

With Halloween around the corner, don't let your inner-dating-demons get the better of you...

We all know that people make up their minds about someone within the first three seconds of meeting them, so these first three seconds could be make or break moments for you.

However, even if you do make a good first impression, when it comes to first dates there are plenty of opportunities to scare a man off for good so we've put together a fun guide to help you be more of a dating angel than a dating devil.

First impressions

Make sure you arrive on time, or if you're going to be late give him a quick call or send a text to let him know.

When you meet him, be polite and positive and don't launch into a tirade about the state of the country or public transport or the rubbish day you've had at work – and don't forget to smile.

Things you shouldn't say

Have you ever felt the pressure to fill a conversation gap? Do you suddenly find yourself telling your date about the time you had a few too many and were arrested for being drunk and disorderly and spent the night in a cell with prostitutes?

We've all done it (well maybe not the getting drunk and spending a night in a cell with prostitutes bit) and then sit there cringing with embarrassment while we try desperately to dig ourselves out of a hole.

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable silence, then don't say the first thing that pops into your head, because before you know it he'll be making his excuses and running for the hills. Instead stick to topics that won't embarrass you or him.

You don't have to resort to the weather, but it's always there if you're desperate, but make sure you move on to an interesting topic really quickly.

Here are some conversation stoppers that should be avoided at all costs.

* 'I'm not allowed within three miles of my ex'
* 'I'm so excited, I haven't been on a date in five years'
* 'I plucked my chin hair especially for tonight'
* 'I Googled you before I came – is your middle name really Godrey?'
* 'My psychic told me we'd get married'
* 'My last boyfriend had a HUGE penis'
* 'I usually get paid for this'
* 'I hate it when you go out on a date and then they never call – you are going to call me aren't you?'
* 'I've got this weird rash? would you like to see it?'

Turn over to find out the top 5 turn-offs for men and womenThings you shouldn't do

There's nothing more off-putting than going on a date and having someone turn up late and drunk. If you do this he won't be impressed and probably won't call again. You should also dress appropriately – wearing a dodgy old tracksuit just won't cut it, but don't go overboard - if you arrive in a limo wearing a ball gown to the local pub, you're going to feel a tad overdressed.

First date don'ts

* Talk too much
* Talk about your ex-boyfriend
* Talk about how much money you earn or dig for how much money he earns
* Talk about weddings, babies or life-plans
* Talk about any disgusting habits or illnesses
* Talk about body issues
* Talk about yourself too much
* Get so drunk that you throw up
* Fish for compliments
* Be rude to waiters, bar staff or anyone else
* Text or phone during your date
* Reveal your sex stats
* Bring a friend along
* Wear too much makeup or too little clothing
* Flirt with other men
* Call him by the wrong name

First date dos

* Turn up on time
* Be polite
* Listen
* Dress appropriately
* Offer to split the bill

Top five turn-offs for women

* Body odour
* Bad breath
* Arrogance
* Poor table manners
* Being overweight

Top five turn-offs for men

* Body odour
* Bad breath
* Poor table manners
* Talking about themselves
* Using bad language