Search Results: making a big first impression

When I have a first date with a lady, I may get a haircut in advance. I make reservations at a very nice restaurant. I clean out my car, wash and vacuum it, and do a general detailing. If the date is on a Friday night and I am coming from work, I am wearing a suit and tie. On Saturday night, I wear "business casual" attire and I will occasionally purchase a new shirt or new pants for the occasion. I am well groomed and I apply a SMALL amount of after shave. On the date, my chivalrous manners are out in force. I open doors for her, help her get seated, and I was attentive to her.

Why do I do all of this? It makes a statement to my date: this guy takes dating seriously, he wants to make a good impression on me, and he will treat me nicely if I get into a relationship with him. Yes, I know that many guys on this site will say that this is WAY too much effort and I am making myself subservient to her by "sucking up" so openly. That is not true. I make it clear to a woman that while I am willing to treat her like a queen, I will expect her to treat me like a king.

The women I date have a similar attitude about dating and, in particular, a first date. They arrive for the date dressed very nicely, very nicely groomed, and it is obvious that they, too, want to make a good impression. This is how my generation dates.

I could go the casual route but I fear that my date might think that none of this is a very big deal for me or maybe I am one of those guys who is afraid to show any signs of caring at all. I think that is a horrible impression to give on a first date.

How do you approach a first date?