Going on your first gay date? You must be excited! Or is it just crippling nerves at this point? It's OK, everybody feels like that for that important date. Gay or straight. The rules don't change, and they're so simple. But people tend to forget the basics when it comes to dating.

Body Language

Whether yours or theirs, reading body language is an important tool in your arsenal. We are giving off signals whatever we do, and how we interpret those given by others can determine how well a date goes. Think about how you're standing when you first meet someone. Are you standing tall, hands on your hips exuding confidence? Or are you slouched over, hands in your pockets seeming uninterested. First impressions count for a lot. Make sure yours is a good one! During the date, pay attention to what the other person is doing. Are they making lots of eye contact, smiling when you speak or playfully touching you? This means it's going well! If the feeling is mutual, engage and reciprocate. Follow their lead and dating could turn into a lot more!

Questions!

That's right, ask lots of questions. Don't go mad, and make it an inquisition! But let your date know that you're interested in them, in knowing more. Try and make them open ended to gain a more informed answer. This is allow you to learn more, let the conversation flow more freely and avoid unnecessary awkward silences! But, don't fear the silence completely! Remember, this is new for both of you. It's natural for brief pauses in conversation to occur. Make sure that whatever you say, it is a true representation of how you think or feel. Be yourself! People can tell when you aren't and it tends to put them off. In the long run, you want them to like you for you. Allow yourself to be really seen.

Activities

When dating, most people will opt for the traditional dinner and a movie or go for a drink. Whilst a drink can certainly steady any little nerves you might have, it can be a bit stale, a bit clinical. Why not choose an activity to do instead? It can be a much better ice breaker if you are doing something together, rather than just conducting an interview! Find out what kind of music they like and go somewhere with a band. Look in the local paper for fun activities going on in your area or seek out some amateur comedy night and bond over how bad the acts are! Some people find this to be a lot easier, taking the pressure out of the date and just enjoying the company of someone new.

Are you looking at me?

You're probably also feeling a bit nervous about what other people are thinking too. You're very aware of everyone around you, wondering if they're looking at you, talking about you. The truth is that the majority are not! Most people really don't care about things that don't directly involve them, so don't worry! If you do happen to catch a starer, don't let it put you off! Look them straight in the eye, flash them a cheeky grin and carry on. You have the power now, you're back in control.

Whatever your approach to gay dating, as long as you are yourself, you can't go too wrong. Remember, some nerves are good. It's anticipation and expectation that something great is about to potentially happen. Enjoy that moment but don't let them overwhelm you. The other person feeling exactly the same thing, whether new to the scene or not. Meeting someone new for the first time is nerve wracking! So don't give the nerves too much thought.

You have decided to embrace the life you have been given and that means allowing other people into it. Let them. So, stay engaged, enjoy the moment and who knows how your life will have changed by tomorrow!

Good luck!