i read that for men, getting ready for a date means putting on a clean shirt or t-shirt but i know for a fact for us girls it means MUCH MORE! ha ha.....but then again, u guys had better read on coz understanding this will definitely increase your chances for a 2nd date!

1. What to wear? this is easily the biggest question really, because we honestly believe what we wear would have a have a lasting and permanent impact on the relationship. never mind about things like personality (we're such chameleons anyway, we're very adaptable).

(a) what kind of guy is your date? well thing is, is your date the 'baju kurung' kinda guy? if he is then it'll be a big mistake to go wearing your little sheer black dress and a red bra, now would it?

(b) where are u going? the decision on what to wear largely depends on where the date is at - even a meal out has various permutations. is it after work? lunch on a weekend or weekday? at a proper restaurant, mamak stall or upmarket mamak stall? bangsar or shah alam? so guys, if you really want to make an impression on your date, don't change the venue of the date at the last moment, she might say she's ok with it, might even say something like 'hurray for spontaneity' but trust me, she's not. a small note about 'part 2 date' i.e. a date after a date or an adjournment. say u're off to a wedding, don't suggest a karaoke date after that, ok? she won't appreciate sitting in a smoky karaoke joint in her best baju kurung or worse, if she was the bridesmaid, a frilly gown. gotta thank mamalong for this tip!

2. Code of conduct. OK so i've heard the advise to 'just be yourself'. who are we kidding really, are we truly ourselves on a date? c'mon...let's be honest! dare we be the confident single woman or a serial datist that we are, or do we have to be a tad 'needy' with wide-eyed with innocence?? should we be interesting or interested? hmm....but body language is everything! sometimes it's not what you say but rather, what you do that'll do the trick. tilting your head a certain way, listening intently and just occassionally stroking your neck works wonders!

3. The preparation. OK for guys it might be - washing the car but us girls it's the facials, manicure, pedicure....hair and make-up, body scrubs, lotions and err...potions (just kidding!). and all are equally important. yeah, that's why girls generally don't really like 'impromptu dates' but then again if you're a serial datist, it's fine, coz like a true boy scout, u're always prepared! yeah, have eyebrow pencil will go!

4. The support group. this is crucial and the success of your date depends on this. why? coz it's no fun thinking about big issues like what to wear, code of conduct and the preparation alone, without the sound advise of your support group. plus you also need someone to tell you that the assorted bracelets you've been wearing for the last 4 months are so '1985' (thanks, sam!).

5. To eat or not to eat. we're also quite concerned about this, and so should u guys, you don't want egg in your face (literally!), having mistakenly ordered cantonese fried kuey teow, now do you? difficult-to-handle food, particularly those which come coated with rich and brightly coloured sauces are definitely out, so steer clear from corn-on-the-cob, bbq ribs, burgers, curry noodles and spaghetti bolognaise, to name a few. but then again, are you really hungry for food when on a date?

6. Who pays? err....the guy of course! ahahahaa.....