How do I score a second date?

My friend Chloé recently asked me for advice on her first date with some hottie 4 tottie off of Tinder, so of course this post goes out to her.

Getting through the first talking stage is hard enough - the constant subtext, the respond, wait 30 minutes, respond rule, and the general anxiety of it all. So now you've got the guy locked down and loaded for a date. Preferably somewhere public (stay safe kids) and with drinks. A coffee date, if you will.

So I'm going to share the 5 main tips you need to be the boss bitch on your first coffee date with Mr. What's-his-face.

1. Let him choose the place.

Guys like to feel like they're important, and needed and all that crap. So ask him to make a suggestion, and throw in a "I've always wanted to try that place!" as an answer, even if you go there every Wednesday.

2. Make a fashionably late grand entrance.

Assuming your gentleman is 5 minutes early and will see you when you walk through the door, or you show up 3 minutes late eyeballing a fabulous outfit, you need to look confident, even when you feel like a nervous wreck.

For starters, don't stare at your phone, rather leave it in your mini purse or back pocket as you walk inside. Hold your head up high and briefly scan the room, just out of curiosity - remember you're not looking for him, he's looking for you. Confidence is key, so fake it till you make it.

3. Hold eye contact.

Whether you're waving hello or greeting him with a handshake (although please don't do that) hold eye contact. It ups the tension for him, giving you an edge and some respectability. Also, in trying times, if you haven't known the man for longer than 5 days don't initiate a hug as a greeting, wait for him to make the first move.

4. Ask him questions.

Men adore talking about themselves, so rather than making small talk keep the focus on him. It'll make you seem genuinely interested when you ask him questions like : "Where do you normally go for coffee?" and, on a deeper end of the conversation,"Have you always been interested in ___?" Facial expressions are also your best friend. Reacting with your face (like nodding, raising your eyebrows, or smiling) while listening to him will make you seem like a really nice person and a good listener at that, also - take a second or two before responding so that it seems like you're truly intent on giving a good answer.

5. Nevertheless, don't fret too much.

At the end of the day, he's just a boy, and if he doesn't like you for you then that's his loss. Be you, because you're perfect. All that really matters is to keep the conversation flowing and to keep the atmosphere cool, calm and collected. And remember, if he doesn't see how amazing you are, everyone around you still do.

Good luck Chlo, you'll nail it.

Sincerely,

The dating "expert."