Never set dinner as first date plan

When it comes to arranging a first date with someone you have met online, choosing to go for dinner is unlikely to be a wise move.

Sophie Saint Thomas has written a blog for XO Jane in which she explained one bad experience she had of online dating involved being taken for a meal by a  lawyer around three years ago.

Once she got there, she soon realised the man in question could not stop talking about how she reminded him of Britney Spears.

One of the major flaws of agreeing to a meal with someone as a first date is that it is incredibly difficult to leave once you realise there is no spark between you.

"This taught me an important lesson in online dating: Never accept an invitation to dinner as a first date. Start with drinks," Ms Saint Thomas wrote.

Settling down in a cosy pub or a trendy bar is sure to be a better option, and you can even invoke your exit plan if required.