Of course there are no hard and fast guidelines when it comes to dating rules for women. What works for one couple spells disaster for another, and if the chemistry is right the relationship will work regardless of which set of rules you choose to follow. However, women are notoriously bad at knowing how to handle those first few dates that will get your man hooked, so the following dating rules for women will give you a clue how to begin.

Don't put yourself down. You are trying to show him your attractive points so he wants to see you again, not give him a list of reasons never to call you. Believe in your own self worth. If he pays you a compliment, just smile and say thank you. You don't need to enter a debate about whether you really do look great or whether in fact this dress actually makes your bum look big.

Nagging him for another date won't work. If he's interested he'll call, although he might wait a day or two. When he does call it won't hurt to let him leave a message, you don't want to seem too available. If he suggests another date pretending you are busy when you aren't will only leave you both frustrated, but don't cancel plans you already have to make space for him or you'll seem a bit desperate.

Keep it light. You'd be surprised how many men are actually looking for a long term partner to set up home with and start a family. However, talking about how much you want to get married and have babies on the first date is almost guaranteed to scare them away. Yes they are irrational creatures, but that's just a fact of life.

Be yourself. Playing a part or putting on an act to catch his interest is only going to work in the short term. Once he discovers the woman he fell for is nothing like he thought, the relationship will have a very short shelf life. You need someone who is attracted to the real you, so relax and be yourself.

Ex-rated talk is out. Talking about your ex boyfriend on your first few dates, or in fact any dates is a bad idea, especially if you are talking about the more intimate details of your relationship. Your date will either think you are still involved with your ex, or that you are bitter about the break up. Neither of these is very attractive to a new beau.

Don't be afraid to be controversial. If you agree with everything your date says just to keep him happy, you will quickly become a dull companion as well as setting the tone for the rest of your relationship. I'm not suggesting you start an argument for the sake of it, but it doesn't matter if the two of you have different opinions, it ads spice to the partnership.

He's not a project. So many women start to date men who they know are possessive, jealous, or untrustworthy believing that they can change them. This is hardly ever the case, and you will only suffer from trying. As soon as you see these characteristics in your date it's time to move on.

Stay positive. As the relationship develops, your partner is sure to become someone you can lean on, and someone who will become involved in any family crises. However, on the first few dates steer clear of complaining about your life, and going into details about personal issues. You will come across as a negative person, and that is never attractive.