Dating can be a scary business, a minefield of potential embarrassment, rejection and humiliation, but you only have to look at the people who have succeeded to see that it’s not impossible. So whether you’re a boy or a girl, an asker or an askee, a blind-dater, speed-dater or just a no-hope-dater, here’s an easy-to-follow guide to the perils of dating.

For the Asker/Man

Restaurants are the most popular choice, followed by a drink in a bar or a show of some kind. Suggest to her a particular cuisine, as if you have a restaurant in mind. Don’t ask what food she likes; it looks like laziness on your part. There are dozens of different nationalities to decide from these days, it’s up to you to suggest one. Avoid the cinema on the first date. It might give you something to talk about, but you’ll spend the whole time worrying about breaking the ice. It also means finding a film that you’ll both like but haven’t seen, and a misfiring comedy can kill a relationship. How many sweet romances might have flourished were it not for Britcoms like Churchill: The Hollywood Years? Choose somewhere geographically neutral. If that’s not possible, pick somewhere closer to her. It will make it easier for her to get home, and choosing the kebab shop underneath your flat looks like you assume she’ll be coming back later for some first date lurving.

For the Askee/Woman

Let your date decide on a venue, if they’re doing the asking. Don’t be picky with cuisine, and always be up for something new. If your date is hesitant about making a decision, coax him into doing so. Indecision is worse than a bad decision. Well, most of the time. Check things like bus routes and bring a taxi firm number with you. It might not be a horse-drawn carriage with fairy godmother, but in this day and age a reputable mini cab firm is the next best thing.