Age Is Not Just A Number, Apparently(01 of31)
Open Image ModalLike it or not, age is the first thing Match.com users say they notice on a profile, followed by the "About Me" section. (credit:Getty)
Keep It Familiar For The First Date(02 of31)
Open Image ModalIf you're going on a date with someone you've never met before, keeping the venue simple is comforting. About 66 per cent of Canadian singles say they prefer to eat somewhere they've been in the past. Coffee spots are among the most convenient locations. (credit:Getty)
Look Your Best(03 of31)
Open Image ModalDressing to impress your date will boost your own self-confidence. Many singles will buy new clothes or even get a haircut before a first date. If it makes you feel your best, why not? (credit:Getty)
Plan Conversation Starters(04 of31)
Open Image ModalTo avoid awkward silences and prolonged phone checks, plan a few conversation topics. Take a look at their profile to find common interests or unique traits to ask questions about. (And also, leave your phone off the table. Always.) (credit:Getty)
Paying The Bill(05 of31)
Open Image ModalYou don't want to spend too much or too little on a first date. According to Match.com's survey, 34 per cent of people expect to spend between $40-60 on a meal.The bill itself should be paid by the person who initiated the date. (credit:Getty)
Share Food(06 of31)
Open Image ModalWe know you love your French fries, but be kind and offer to share your food with your date. Sixty per cent of singles would share food with their date, reports Match.com. It's an intimate move that can help initiate a bond. (credit:Getty)
Have Drinks(07 of31)
Open Image ModalFirst dates can be scary. To calm their nerves, 70 per cent of singles said they had drinks -- but not too many. We'd suggest a maximum of two. (credit:Getty)
Remember Your Manners(08 of31)
Open Image ModalDon't blow your nose, don't chew with your mouth open or be rude to restaurant employees. And Stay. Off. That. Phone. (credit:Getty)
Pucker Up!(09 of31)
Open Image ModalBe ready (if you're comfortable) for a kiss at the end of the first date. The vast majority of Canadian singles are open to kissing on a first date. (credit:Getty)
…And Perhaps Get Lucky(10 of31)
Open Image ModalAlso, 35 per cent of singles are willing to have sex on a first date. Communication is key here. (credit:Getty)
Follow Up Promptly(11 of31)
Open Image ModalAfter the date, reach out within the next few days rather than playing the guessing game. Thirty per cent of Canadians surveyed by Match.com said they call within 2-3 days. (credit:Getty)
Pick Up The Phone(12 of31)
Open Image ModalAnd speaking of phones, call, don't text or email. Despite all the technology available, almost sixty per cent of Canadians would like their date to follow up with a call. (credit:Getty)
Be Open-Minded(13 of31)
Open Image ModalHave an open, accepting mind. Everyone has flaws. Try to look past minor details on a first date. If you like the person overall, and had a good time on the date, give them another chance. (credit:Getty)
DO: Make It A Landscape Shot(14 of31)
Open Image ModalDON'T: Crop Someone Out(15 of31)
Open Image ModalAlong with falling into that narrow "up and down" no-no, cropping someone out results in less communication, according to eHarmony. And besides, you really should have at least one good picture of you on your own somewhere.
DO: Upload A Bunch Of Pictures(16 of31)
Open Image ModalGive the people what they want! And in this context, that means a variety of pictures, so that prospects can get a good sense of what you look like, what you're into and so on. (credit:Shutterstock)
DON'T: Snap From Afar(17 of31)
Open Image ModalThough you don't want to get too close, you also don't want your picture to be taken from far away — that can seem as though you're hiding something about your appearance. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Show Your Left Side(18 of31)
Open Image ModalDON'T: Feature Shots Of Your Buddy(19 of31)
Open Image ModalEven if it's the most platonic of friendships, don't include a picture of yourself with a member of the opposite sex if you're looking for a heterosexual relationship. In general, keep pictures confined to shots of yourself. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Show Pride (If You're A Guy)(20 of31)
Open Image ModalDO: Show Happiness (If You're A Gal)(21 of31)
Open Image ModalThat same study showed that men prefer women who demonstrate happiness in their profile pictures, assumedly because it's associated with femininity and nurturing, and are least attracted to women showing pride. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Get Outdoors(22 of31)
Open Image ModalTaking a picture outside allows for the flattering effect of natural sunlight on skin, notes eHarmony. Just be careful to avoid squinting into the sun, and opt for a sideways glance instead. (credit:Shutterstock)
DON'T: Be In A Costume(23 of31)
Open Image ModalDO: Get Flirtatious With The Camera(24 of31)
Open Image ModalDO: Get Serious Away From The Camera(25 of31)
Open Image ModalDO: Take A Selfie (If You're A Gal)(26 of31)
Open Image ModalDO: Grab An Animal (If You're A Guy)(27 of31)
Open Image ModalAs for men, the favoured context for a headshot was one featuring a guy with an animal, whether a pet or even one at the zoo. Though this may not apply to everyone, as it was followed closely by ... (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Show Off Those Abs(28 of31)
Open Image ModalThe second most popular context for men on OkCupid was showing off muscles — though the researchers are quick to point out that (a) obviously it's only guys who have them who would show them off, and (b) this becomes less attractive to women the older the guys are. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Show Cleavage(29 of31)
Open Image ModalThis isn't necessarily a surprising finding, but men really do prefer profiles of women who show cleavage. The interesting point? Unlike the muscle men, as women get older, if they show cleavage, they're more likely to be messaged. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Show Some Interests(30 of31)
Open Image ModalDON'T: Drink In Your Picture(31 of31)
Open Image ModalIs it because you seem young when you feature booze in your profile picture or that you don't have any other interests? The research didn't specify, but drinking in your shot was the least likely picture to generate an actual conversation. (credit:Shutterstock)