Wouldn't it be wonderful if your next first date turned out to be your last first date as well? I can't promise you anything, but I can tell you what you may reasonably expect from your first face-to-face contact with someone you've met online:

1. Be prepared to be on edge.
A first date is reminiscent of a junior high school dance, with nervous folks attempting to appear cool. You should keep an eye out for those jitters, which might make you feel so nervous that you begin to project your own expectations onto this new person, rather than observing his or her genuine nature. As a result, be forthright and truthful. Inquire about the problems that are most important to you and your family. And pay attention — very closely — to the responses.

2. Be prepared to feel 13 all over again.

On a recent occasion, I had the distinct impression that I had been struck by lightning. My heart rate increased dramatically. My hammering heart was on the verge of bursting out of my chest. I was feeling dizzy. I couldn't put together a complete thought. Overall, it didn't feel too unlike from being back in 7th grade again, finding the courage to ask Nancy Morris to dance for the first time in my life. If you experience comparable sensations on your first date, don't be alarmed; instead, consider them a favorable indication!

3. Expect to be able to rely on first impressions

It is absurd to believe that you must go on multiple dates in order to establish the feasibility of a new relationship. A man and a woman may have an obvious affinity for each other from the beginning of their relationship, but that does not rule out the potential of magic occurring. So trust your instincts; they'll tell you right away whether or not the other individual is a good match for your personality.

For the opposite, anticipate that you may need to exercise patience.

The majority of daters over the age of 50 are less impulsive, which is a positive development. Now that we've had enough life experience, we've learned that we shouldn't fall in love with the first person we meet. We are aware of what works for us and what does not work for us. We feel that finding a satisfying relationship is still feasible — as long as we're ready to be patient and wait for the appropriate person to come along in our lives.

5. Be prepared to hear the truth.

Force your thoughts to ask questions about such important problems as your partner's financial situation, dating history, and relationship ambitions, even if you believe in your heart that he or she is the right one. You should maintain eye contact with the person and make it apparent that you are expecting the truth and not a sanitized version of the truth.

6. Be prepared for R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

You can simply say, "Thank you for the coffee date," and walk away if you feel as though the person across the table is condescending you — for example, if he or she argues that you're wasting your life teaching school when you might be making "real" money in the business world. It is wrong to treat someone with disrespect under any circumstances. However, it is particularly unbearable at the first meeting due to the fact that it is unlikely to improve with time.

7. Be prepared for a close fit.

Forget about the nonsense about "opposites attracting." You're looking for someone who's as similar to you as you can possibly be. The reason behind this is as follows: Most people are apprehensive about the prospect of finding someone who is exactly like them because they are concerned that someone will share not just their strengths but also their flaws. Contrary to popular belief, someone who closely resembles your personality, preferences, and temperament is more likely to be your soul mate than your evil twin.

8. Be prepared to be completely out of your head.

Your brain (which has brought you to this crossroads) will eventually be ready to give way to your heart, and you'll be ready to do so when the time comes (which will show you the path to follow ahead). Believe what your second organ is telling you; your feelings are the ultimate source of knowledge.