Selecting a great activity makes for a successful first date. A first date will be more memorable and potentially more successful, if you choose a more original activity for your first date.

Before you can select a unique date activity, you'll need to know a lot about your date's interests and hobbies. If you don't already, make it a point to talk to them about what they consider fun.

After you have a good idea of what your date is interested in, decide which interests you also enjoy. If your date loves dancing and so do you, you have an idea. But, if your date loves sports and you don't, you'll want to choose another interest.

Next, decide what you can do based on your common interests. Are beginner's dance classes being held nearby? Is there a place the two of you can go to make your own pottery? Maybe there are even activities like this specifically for couples. Do some research and see what you can find.

In addition, you'll want to keep in mind that this is a first date. So, going to the beach for volleyball might not be such a good idea. It's hard enough deciding what to wear on a first date, especially if it's a bathing suit. Don't select an activity that might increase the discomfort level and nerves of a first date. Choose something unique, fun and with a low level of embarrassment potential.

All dates must end. The ending, like the beginning, is one of the most nerve-wracking parts about dating. So much lingers in the conclusion of the date. Remember these steps to ensure your date has a successful finish.

• Don't get too excited. Just because you had an excellent time, doesn't mean your date did. Don't expect a large, dramatic ending to the night.
• Don't get nervous. If you think your date might expect or want a kiss, stay calm. Decide if you are ready for that step.
• Don't ask for a second date immediately. End the night by saying you'll call the person or let them know to give you a call. You don't want to put anyone on the spot.
• If your date asks you for a second date, but you are unsure, let them know. Say that you have to check your schedule and that you'll give them a call or send an email.
• Once you decide if you're still interested or not, inform them immediately. Don't invite the person home with you and don't go home with them. As tempting as it might be, it opens up a lot of potential risks. Aside from safety risks, your date might think you are being too forward. If you want a relationship out of the date, it's best to wait until a few more dates have passed before spending the night together.

Of course, the most essential first date element is conversation. On any level of dating, starting and maintaining a conversation can be difficult and stressful. No one likes those awkward silences during a date. To help prevent conversation death and to ensure a successful first date, follow these tips:

• After the initial introductions, start with some basic questions. How was work this week? Did you do anything exciting over the weekend?
• Continue the conversation with observations and responses. If your date mentions something about a topic you know a lot about, continue on that topic. Or, if you observe something that reminds you of an interesting story or fact, bring it up.
• There's always the standards. The standard topics include: current events, sports, local news, etc. Only discuss topics you know enough about. If you haven't watched the news in a month, you won't want to discuss something you heard through a friend. Your date might be a news buff and start discussing the topic in-depth and you'll be clueless.
• Remember that it's ok for conversation to cease once in awhile. If you're looking over the menu at a restaurant or taking your coat off and getting situated, it's ok if neither one of you is talking.

Sometimes, no matter how much effort goes into it, a date just starts to turn sour. During a first date, it feels even worse when things aren't going smoothly. Fortunately, there are some ways to save it.

If the date has turned sour because of things outside of your control, try to relax. If the service at a restaurant is extremely slow or it starts to rain just as you two meet up for a picnic, don't freak out. If you notice your date freaking out, or complaining excessively, try to abate their worries. Discuss a lighthearted story about a time when something similar happened to you or make a joke of it.

If a date isn't going smoothly because of conversation issues, there are a few things to try:

• Ask a few general questions.
• Cover topics you haven't talked about much, or go back to topics you've only skimmed over.
• Tell an interesting or funny story.

If your date is just downright rude, boring or annoying, try and stick it out. Tell jokes to make the night less dull or ignore rude comments. Unless your date is causing a scene, or personally insults you, leaving in the middle of the date is rude. The best option is to just rush it along.