Dating? Here's some advice on first dates from the book "How to Survive Dating" (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $12.95), straight from people who've done it:

“Some women’s magazines have regimens for preparing for your date — an hour-by-hour countdown ranging from morning yoga (‘so you’re flexible on your big night!’), to getting a facial, manicure or some body treatment, to ‘shopping with a girlfriend for a last-minute date accessory … a bracelet or scarf,’ to a whole make-up walkthrough. I find this funny and pretty offensive, too. I hardly want to spend my whole Saturday ‘prepping for that special night’ — too much effort reeks of desperation.”

— Anonymous, Auburn, Calif.

“Go somewhere neither of you have ever been before; it can be a good bonding experience. My former boyfriend and I had both always wanted to go water skiing but had never done it. We tried it on our fourth or fifth date, and we had a blast. With something new you both get to learn together and nobody goes into the date with an advantage.”

“Don’t go out for a drink and force conversation. Instead, do an activity together like bowling, hiking or rollerblading. That way, you’ll learn more about them and have something in common to talk about.”

“Do something different; try a kid-oriented activity (go to the science museum, or go play at Lego Land). My personal favorite is to go to Toys ‘R’ Us and walk up and down the aisles playing with all the ‘sample’ stuff.”

— J.S., Edina, Minn.