10 ways to make a blind date work

5. Leave exes in the past
If he asks about your past loves, don't take it as a cue to spill the sordid details. Chances are he couldn't think of anything else to ask. Chatting about previous relationships sends the message that you haven't moved on.

6. Ask questions
The art of conversation is partly about your ability to ask good open-ended questions. Take your cues from what's going on around you. For example, if he suggested your date venue, ask about the first time he went there.

Also, take your cues from what you know about him already. Before your date, read his emails and note the things you'd like to know more about.

'One guy mentioned online that he liked fishing,' says Susie, 29. 'He was only 26 and it seemed so unusual. As soon as I asked him about his biggest catch, he was off on one. I didn't have to work at the conversation at all!'

Just remember not to interrogate the poor man. This is a date, not a job interview.

7. Body language tricks
Body language speaks volumes. First, relax; a tense, closed posture tells your date that you'd rather not be there.

Before you walk into the pub or get off the bus, take a few deep breaths, drop your shoulders and smile. If you learn to act relaxed, you really will feel more relaxed.

Eye contact is your most powerful body language weapon. Holding his gaze for a second or two creates a physical and psychological connection that's hard to resist.

8. Drink sensibly
A drink or two eases your shyness and is an age-old social winner. But it's not a magic confidence bullet. Booze on an empty stomach can quickly turn you from confident companion into one-woman Blackpool hen night.

Know your limits and stick to them. Next time you're out with your friends ask them to tell you honestly when you start acting tipsy. That's the point when you should switch to orange juice on a date.

9. Letting him down gently
Be honest. Don't make a dash out of the loo window. End the date after a couple of hours by saying that you need to head home. Thank him for a lovely time. If he suggests another date, politely decline. Even if he insisted on buying all the drinks (I hope you offered to pay your way), you don?t owe him anything. He'll get over it.

10. The next date?
Again, be honest and don't play games. At the end of the date, say that you'd like to do it again. Forget those 'rules' about letting him do all the chasing, waiting three days before calling and so on.

However, remember that he may feel differently in the cold light of day. If he decides that he'd rather not meet up again, don't push it. The world, and the internet, are stuffed with gorgeous single men who'd love to date you many times over.

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