So you’ve downloaded Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge and are getting ready to create your first dating profile. Alternatively, you may choose to do things the old-fashioned way and ask friends to set you up with someone.

In any case, you’re ready to begin the jigsaw puzzle of finding love. To aid your cause, I’ve compiled a list of 11 useful, actionable dating recommendations for rookies that I wish someone had written for me:

1. Dating is a tricky game – both online and face-to-face

I’ve always been a klutz and have no idea when I’m being hit on till some handsome guy approaches me and says, “I like you.” Let’s get a drink together so I can continue to flirt with you.”

Dating is going to be a ten-mile hike up a hill on a rainy day for me and for those who are new to dating.

After a mile-long trek, you’ll want to give up, but after you get beyond the rain and taste your blood, the view from the summit is well worth the effort.

It’s how to date 101 to recognize that dating is a complicated business and to prepare oneself for many failed attempts and uncomfortable dates, as well as to meet a variety of people and females before hitting the jackpot.

Also, online dating is a whole other ballgame these days. It’s not the same as talking over the phone and then meeting in person. Here are some online dating guidelines for beginners: first, check out your online date before agreeing to a first date.

2. Get to know the person

If I had to give one piece of essential dating advise to newbies, it would be to get to know the person rather than relying on their dating profile to help you.

Consider how much you’ve bluffed on your own. It is something that everyone does. So, how can you come to know someone who is virtually unknown to you?

Certainly not by following them around. We are fortunate to live in the age of social media, and a quick search on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook will provide you with enough information about the person behind that dating profile. However, keep stalking to a minimum.

Keep your interest to yourself if you want to know about your date’s relationship with their first cousin based on their Instagram page.

You’ll scare them out six ways to Sunday if you ask them a random question about their family history and happen to know the name of their great-great-grandfather. The goal is to let them know you’re interested in their lives without coming across as stalker-like.

3. Meet in a public place

This crucial – nearly non-negotiable – piece of advice would be missing from any beginners handbook on dating. Meeting for the first time in an intimate situation – or even on a second or third date – could be too near for comfort.

Furthermore, if sexual tensions are high, you can act rashly and push things to the next level before you’re ready.

The most basic dating advice we can give to newcomers is to avoid ending the first date in your apartment or his studio. It’s possible that you’ll come to regret it later. Before you take it to the next level, get to know your date better.

4. Drink responsibly is a crucial dating tip for beginners

I’m going to give some dating advice for newbies, even if it makes me sound sanctimonious. If you enjoy drinking, don’t overdo it. Yes, I know, drink works wonders for loosening you up, and God knows you’ll need it to break up those awkward silences on your first few dates.

You lose control of the situation and place yourself in a vulnerable position when the drinks start flowing in. In addition, I’ve had dates who couldn’t stop drinking.

You wouldn’t want to spend an evening conversing with someone who can barely keep their eyes open or has slurred speech. Or, even worse, someone who needs to dash to the bathroom to puke. Yikes! And you don’t want to be that person.

5. Be yourself

It’s a lot like sneaking back home after a late night without waking up your folks. Finding that delicate balance between being yourself but not too much is one of the best dating tips for beginners.

For the first few dates, follow the golden rule of putting your best foot forward and waiting until you’ve formed a connection with the other person before divulging your deepest, darkest secrets. This is an important early dating guideline to remember.

If someone actually appreciates you, they will take the time to gently and methodically learn about you. If you give everything away on the first date, there will be no room for discourse on subsequent occasions. Furthermore, you may frighten them and send them fleeing.