First-date deal breakers: avoid initial-encounter faux pas by making these man-friendly moves.(his point of view)

First dates are fact-finding missions: While you're sizing up a guy by his table manners, conversation skills, and how well he grooms his facial hair, he's making mental notes of his own about you. Here, the courtship conduct that really counts.

offer to split the bill

No, we don't expect you to pay. But neither do we like wondering if Meal Ticket is stamped on our forehead. Which is why we're stoked when you reach for your purse as soon as the check hits the table. "When a girl offers to chip in, it shows she isn't being presumptuous or taking advantage of my generosity," says Jack *, 29. So next time the bill arrives, propose ponying up your share. Your guy will likely refuse, at which point you can convey your gratitude with a simple, sincere thank you.

demonstrate that you dig him

Think you'll have a better chance of scoring another night out if you keep your enthusiasm under wraps? Don't bet on it. Playing your cards close to the vest might help you win a poker game, but on a date, it only confuses a guy and leads him to conclude that you're not interested. Instead, let him know you're into him. It'll pump his ego and give him the confidence to ask you out again. "My best first date was with a girl who wasn't afraid to show me she was having a great time," says Jay, 27. "Even though the food sucked at this cafe I took her to, she laughed it off. Later, she ...