First dates are exciting and scary all at the same time. Some part of you is excited to get to know someone new, and the other part of you is worrying that this new person might be a dud.

Here are some tips for first date survival:

• Be yourself
• Go somewhere you are comfortable
• Make the effort to get to know the other person
• Don't over-think it
• Understand that a bad first date is not the end of the world
• Don't over expect

Dinner- You want to feel comfortable on what hopes to be a non-awkward encounter, so take your date or suggest to your date to go to somewhere that is casual. I don't mean Taco Bell. Go for good food, casual atmosphere and a place that is quiet enough where you can talk.

Bike Riding at the Beach- If you are not into the traditional first date, go on a day date. Go to the beach and ride bikes. If you are not into the outdoors, the beach, or bike riding. Try something else. This is a great idea because it gives you a chance to talk, have some fun. You can go get some lunch afterwards.

Miniature Golf- This is just a fun activity to do. You feel kick back, you can get to know each other. Miniature golf is never a serious task, so you can let go and feel free to make a little bit of a fool of yourself.

Coffee Date- This may not be your full-scale date, but it's a good place to start. Find a coffee house that has a welcoming and casual feel. Get a couple coffees, maybe some pastries. Another great opportunity to get to know each other and talk. After getting to know them a little better you might be ready to go and do something else. If things aren't working out...you can leave without having committed too much of your time.

Ice Cream Date- If you are not a coffee drinker but don't want to commit to an all evening or afternoon event, try going to get some ice cream together. If things don't work out at least you had a scoop or two of your favorite flavor.

Concert- We're not talking an extravagant, expensive concert with thousands of people. Go see a concert in the park where you can be casual, enjoy the outdoors and be able to talk.

I think one of my least favorite parts about first dates it the goodbye. Sometimes you can tell within minutes if you do not want to see this person again, and it is drawn out, and then you have this goodbye. You might not like them and they might really like you. They go for a hand hold or even a kiss. What are you to do? Be polite. Let them know that you had a nice time and say goodnight.

Let's say you are really digging them, but you try to make a move and you are rejected. What are you to do? Be graceful about it, let them know that you had a great time, and that maybe you should hang out again sometime. Leave it open. Maybe they are just shy. Don't over-think it. First dates are meant to be awkward.