Do's & Dont's "Manners on a Date"

It’s the day before the Easter long weekend starts and I don’t think I’ve been this bored since Xmas.

So while reading another blog and trying to look busy, I came across a blog on manners.

What about dating manners? Do’s and Don’t of manners on a date.

The below list are some things I consider to be good manners.
Maybe call me old fashion.

These “manners” are what I would expect in a nice restaurant…..
Now at a pub, I still expect the same but with less formality:

- While being escorted to your table in the restaurant, the man should let you walk first, and then he is behind you and ready to pull your chair out for you.

- When you stand up to excuse yourself, the man should stand with you and rise again upon your return (formal dining only) of you should be excusing yourself politely too.. not saying, “brb I have pee”.

- No cell phones on dates!!!!!

- Do wait for both parties to be served their meals (or group) before digging in.

- If he’s driving and drops you off at home, he should wait til you’re in your front door of your house/apt, before he drives away….
(this one is actually a deal breaker for me at any level of a date)

Now depending on how adventurous you are and how well you and your date know each other, here are some fun, but well mannered things to do/try:

- Do Let the man order for you.
- Do Let him pay - I’m all for equality etc, but men do like feeling like they are taking care of you.
- Do Let him refill your wine glass or order you another one.

Then of course there are all the basic’s
(so you’d think) Do’s and Dont’s that should be part of any date regardless of how formal or casual it may be:
- Don’t talk about ex relationships.
- Don’t talk on your cell.
- Don’t get drunk.
- Don’t ask your date to drive the two of you home in his car.
(see don’t get drunk)
- Do be on time.
- Do (him) walk curbside if you’re taking a stroll etc.
- Do open doors etc..

Of course I’m not saying to be a princess or a diva about any of this, I think these are common sense things to pay attention too….

Would love for everyone to give their versions, add/subtract based on casual vs. formal dates. Please ask your male counter parts for their opinions.

I know dating in general has become uber casual overall, but then, so have manners.


My best dining date so far was with a guy 10 years my junior. We only went to a upscale pub, but his manners made an ever lasting impression on me.

He let me walk first, ordered dinner for me (more of a dare), took control of the table, noticed when my drink was low etc.
The one part that still makes me smile, was, while we were being shown to our table, he slipped the waitress his credit card before we were even seated.
He never knew I saw, but man did it impress the pants of me....

We're still friends and he now knows that I knew about that... :) and to think he was only 25.