20 rules you should follow on a first date

You should tell at least two funny anecdotes, give them two hugs and ask for a second date no more than twice

Brits have revealed just how you should behave on a first date - by cracking three jokes, complimenting your partner at least twice and buying them three drinks.

A study of 2,000 adults also revealed that you should tell at least two funny anecdotes, give them two hugs and ask for a second date no more than twice.

And you should also wink at your date at least once - as well as take at least one selfie together.

But the most important things to do on a first date are to be on time, be a good listener and avoid talking about your ex.

Only one in 10 think it's inappropriate to kiss on a first date, with 81 per cent ready to go in for the smooch when the time is right.

And Brits are willing to spend money on dates, with an average amount of £73 considered to be perfect.

Alexis Peppis, UK manager at Tiqets UK, a museum and attraction ticketing company, which commissioned the research, said: “The results have shown that Brits are keen to impress and enjoy soaking up a bit of culture along the way with a visit to inspiring locations to wow their date.

“It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut in daily life – so a date is an ideal opportunity to burst the bubble and try something a little different. Sharing new experiences with someone is always romantic.

“In 2020, we're seeing these cultural activities become more popular not just when people travel, but when they're at home looking for a unique date as well.

“After all, a trip to a museum or cultural landmark gives you a break from daily life that can change your perspective - and it's especially romantic to share that experience with someone else."

The study also found that the perfect daytime date is a walk in a park or botanical garden, a visit to the zoo or a river cruise.

But there is a new trend emerging to try something new, with 45 per cent loving to explore something or somewhere different on a first date.

A third would even go for a cultural rendezvous to seem more 'worldly' to impress their potential beau.

Those already in a relationship also think new cultural experiences adds fresh energy to a relationship, according to 72 per cent of those polled.

It also emerged that Brits believe you should date someone for an average of seven weeks before taking them away on a romantic weekend getaway.

Being this creative on a date requires some thought though, with more than a third of Brits wanting to plan ahead when setting up a date.

But 38 per cent like a mix of order and spontaneity to keep things fresh.

A quarter said you should plan your date at least a couple of days in advance, with nearly 39 per cent advising to do so at least a week or two ahead.

But worryingly, 41 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, said they have never been on their perfect date.

Alexis Peppis, from Tiqets, added: “Even the healthiest relationship can get boring if you don't mix it up with new experiences.

“A date is an opportunity to show what you find interesting - and we make it easy to find the cultural activities that will appeal the most to you and your date.

“More and more couples are playing tourist in their own city as a way to get a new perspective and appreciation for their hometown - or jaunting off on weekend trips to keep the spark alive.”

“Whether couples plan these romantic rendezvous in advance or at the last minute, they can find tickets to skip-the-line at cultural attractions on Tiqets, since everyone knows waiting in line isn't romantic."

TOP 20 THINGS TO DO ON A FIRST DATE
1. Be on time
2. Be a good listener
3. Avoid talking about your ex
4. Make your date laugh...a lot
5. Keep conversation light
6. Keep your phone in your pocket
7. Maintain eye contact
8. Smile a lot
9. Avoid telling your life story
10. Don't take yourself too seriously
11. See your date home safely
12. Be early
13. Play it cool
14. Have backup questions in mind to avoid silences
15. Use positive body language
16. Wear appropriate shoes
17. Smell amazing
18. Bring a single rose
19. Talk about your date more than yourself
20. Get makeup on point