First meetings can be unnerving and many people wish they could just skip it and move on to the second date. However, the first time you meet someone is the most important meeting, as it charters the course of the relationship. Where to meet someone for the first time is a question that keeps many people awake into the late hours of the night, weighing the pros and cons of each situation. It is this first rendezvous that decides if you really want to take things further and get to know each other better or if you want an easy exit.

Meet Informally
Ideally, you should meet at a place where you can interact freely and not worry about your environment. A four-course meal at a French restaurant may not be the best place for meeting someone new, especially if you are unsure about the kind of cuisine the other person likes. In addition, the last thing you want to worry about when you are on that all important first meeting is how big the bill is going to be.

Ideally, you should discuss the location with your date and choose a place that you both enjoy. This way, you can be sure that you do not take a PETA activist or a vegan to KFC. The idea is for the two of you to discover each other in a relaxed and stress free surrounding. Remember, getting dressed formally often makes people uneasy and they may behave in their usual manner.

Avoid the Crowd
Avoid crowded places or activities that distract. Going to a movie where you spend the better part of the evening glued to the screen is not a great idea nor is going dancing to a discotheque where you can barely hear each other above the din. Instead, select a place where you can converse and interact well, with little interruption. Listen to your companion and just be yourself.

Choose Lunch over Dinner
Lunch is a more relaxed meal and it gives you the opportunity to cut short or increase the duration of the meeting depending on how things go. You can dress casually and see what the other person is like on a regular day.

Choose a Positive Ambience
When meeting someone for the first time, it is better to avoid a setting that holds too many old memories, especially bad ones. You really don't want to spend most of your time talking about a relationship gone sour. It is also not a wise idea to talk of earlier dates you may have had there. Conversation with someone you are meeting for the first time should be positive and balanced, with each person getting enough chance to talk. On a first date, you should avoid competitive activities that may encourage some amount of aggression and leave a bad taste for either of you. Keep the arm wrestling for another time.

Ensure that you are on time and dressed smartly. Also, make certain that the time and location is clear so that you don't end up spending quality time trying to find each other. Keep a positive frame of mind and don't start planning the second date-not just yet.