1. The best pick up line is no line. All those pick up lines sound good only in movies and dumb-blonde kind of jokes. It's more sensible to go and introduce yourself, than waste your time and effort with elaborate lines, which ultimately make you look like a fool.

2. Look the other person in his or her eye, when you introduce yourself. Looking elsewhere makes the other person feels awkward, and this kills of whatever chances you might have had.

3. Keep an erect posture and don't slouch, even when you are sitting. Your normal slouch might be viewed as disinterest by the other person. And the next thing you know, he or she is cancelling all future dates.

4. Make sure you are well groomed. Your clothes should be washed, ironed and fit well. Make-up should not be overdone. Hair, teeth and nails should be neat.

5. Try to be yourself. You may be eager to impress the other person, but don't get too carried away. Don't make yourself appear to be what you are not. You will look like a loser at the end of the day.

6. Don't appear too eager to please. This would make the other person lose out whatever little respect he or she had for you. You have your own pride and self- respect. Always remember that. That in itself would lend you a quiet dignity. Have opinions, but don't get too opinionated.

7. At the same time, make sure that you don't appear too snobbish or aggressive. Most people look out for a nice and charming partner. And snobbery is not the path to being nice.

8. Never ever make disparaging comments about anybody. For all that you know, the fat lady whom you think eats like a cow at the restaurant might be your date's favourite aunt.

9. Give the other person a chance to talk. It's not nice to monopolise all conversations with your favourite subject: You!

10. Make sure you respect the other person's wishes. While nobody starts dating hoping for a platonic relationship, mutual respect, admiration and affection would help you become friends with the person you are dating. This adds life to the relationship.