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

"Coffee is as far as I'll go on the first meeting; I want an out. There's no large investment of time or money. It's not too intimate so expectations are low. Besides, when you meet the right person, you know."
- Anonymous, San Francisco

"While you're trying to get to know someone, being punctual for the dates is imperative. It's a simple matter of respect. I've found that you can tell a lot about a person and how they feel about you by how closely they stick by the time that has been appointed."
- Eileen McCarthy, Pittsburgh

"I like to go to a bar on a first date. You can have a few drinks and get to know him. And if you don't like him, you can say, "I'm gonna go over here for a minute." And if you do like him, you can sit there and totally focus on him and you don't even realize what else is going on."
- Crystal, Bremen, Ga.

"If you're looking for a long-term relationship, trust your instincts about him right off the bat. After your first date, what does your heart say? Could he be someone you could spend some serious time with? Don't try to kid yourself. Somewhere deep inside you will have a sense for people even after just one night out."
- Colleen Jastrzebski, Bulger, Pa.

"You don't always have to be polite. And you certainly don't have to sit through the rest of dinner if your date starts discussing his newly acquired "itch" before the appetizers arrive. Yes, it has happened to me; unfortunately, those uncomfortable moments turned into an entire night of discomfort because I didn't have the guts to excuse myself. Have some self-respect _ don't crawl out the window. Just walk out the door."
- Courtney, New York
 
"Invite a girl along to an activity you do well, and then teach her how to do it, too. It's a great way to show off and also to get her involved in something you like. If you're lucky, she'll get into it and you won't have to make the choice between the activity and spending time with her."
- S.M.P., Portland, Maine

"Use the kiss test. On Date One, sometime during dinner, stare at her and ask yourself, "Do I want to kiss her?" If yes, keep going and see what happens. If no, it's bad news and get out A.S.A.P."
- Amol Dixit, Minneapolis, Minn.

(c) 2008, Hundreds of Heads Books, Inc.