Ease out those first date blues.......

First dates have always been a cause of worry. Sweaty palms, butterflies in the tummy and a dazed feeling that makes you feel so unsure of what to say or do are all trademarks of the first date. To make matters worse, it's the success of this meeting that decides your chances of more dates. And all this pressure can surely be a kill joy.

However, there's no need to fret for you are not alone. Rehaan Ali, a third year English Honours student says, "There was this girl in my class whom I really liked but I was afraid to approach her. Eventually, I mustered the courage and asked her out. but all through the evening I kept wondering, 'How do I know if she likes me?'"

Impressing the opposite seems to be mission, more so if you are on a date. That said, constantly worrying about whether you are doing the right thing can also kill the mood. Instead, there are ways in which you can subtly find out what's on your date's mind. Reading your date's body language is one easy way of knowing how you are progressing.

For example if your date is standing with her arms folded or wrapped across her body, you can be sure you're not saying the right things! If on the other hand she looks directly into your eyes during the conversation and occasionally reaches out to touch your hand or arm, you are on the right track and are obviously saying the right things.

The idea is not to come on too strong. You have to listen to what your date is talking about. Don't ramble on and on about yourself. Show her or him some sensitivity, be sympathetic to her or his problems.

If you find your date continuously looking at her or his watch or at the floor, or over your shoulder — that's a sure sign that things are not progressing the way they should.

"Change the way the conversation is going. Crack a few good jokes. Make her or him laugh. Ask a question about a topic that interest her or him," advises student counsellor Pravin Kumar, adding, "This will ensure that your date slowly becomes more involved in the conversation. "

Yet another way of telling that you are on the right track and you are creating an impression is to look at your date's feet. They "should be pointing towards you and not away," says Kumar. "Away from you means that she is not really interested in you

— yet!" he adds. the most obvious sign that your date likes you is if she/he promises to see you again!