How to End a Date

Dating is full of pit-falls and potential embarrassments, but one of the most difficult things is knowing how to end a date - particularly if it hasn't gone well.

But learning how to finish a date is more important than ever. In this era of internet dating, and with the rise of the free dating services, we're going on more dates than ever. So use the following tips to help you leave a date with your head held high - rather than with your mobile phone clutched in your paw ready to phone your mate and share the end-of-date embarrassment.

1.     If you don't like the person, or the date hasn't gone well, try to draw a line under it then and there; don't get their hopes up. If you've met on an online dating site, then they'll know the score. Wish them luck with their future dating experiences - that will make it clear that they're not the one for you.

2.     If you're a bloke, then pay the bill. There's nothing more guaranteed to make the end of the evening awkward than both of you trying to calculate your half of the bill. And however much they might try to pretend otherwise, a lady will be impressed by your generosity.

3.     Unless you're in an adult dating scenario, just make the decision that sex will be off the agenda for the  other's company. After all, if the date's gone well, then there's always next time...

4.     If you had a good time, then let your date know. Be confident enough to tell them that you'd like to see them again, but be careful only to do this if you're 100% sure. Nobody likes being let down.

5.     Chaps, make sure you see your date to a cab, she'll appreciate you being concerned for her safety - and it will also make it clear to her that you're not just after one thing.

6.     Finally, if you don't think you want to begin dating that person, then don't offer your friendship instead. You can never be sure how the other person feels, and you could end up in a potentially complicated situation. Remember it's a date - you're not out to find another friend. Internet dating, or indeed any dating situation, should be viewed upon as the search for a romantic relationship. Don't be tempted to  confuse matters.