Everyone needs some Dutch courage every now and then but getting completely hammered on a first date is never a good idea and it's obvious why, you cannot read the situation properly and usually make a fool of yourself.

So here are some simple rules to follow when on a date: 1) Always have one drink because doing the whole, "no I really shouldn't!" makes you look really uptight but make it last by concentrating on the conversation rather than the drink.

2) Offer to pay for the drink in turns that ways it's always fair but don't make it obvious just say well you got the last round.

3) If one of you is drinking way more than the other then it's probably not going well so just call it a night, have an excuse ready-made like a friend calling, oh my mum's sick bye. This is much better than staying and watching them throw up on your shoes later

4) If you're drinking more than your date then think about slowing down cause no one likes a date when the person just gets drunk if your drinking because you're not enjoying it again have an arrangement to get out of it, I said I'd meet my friends afterwards so got to go! That's much better than getting so drunk you get physical with someone you know is no good for you.

5) If things are going well and drinks are in good moderation your both maybe a little tipsy then when dealing with the whole whether to kiss or not make sure you have freshening mints or gum but again don't be obvious, a quick mint in the toilet will do wonders.

6) If you both got more than drunk and have a kiss or even gone further just make sure the other person is actually in control of themselves, coherent enough to maybe regret what they're doing not prosecute!

7) If you are already out with your friends and having a night out when you are just having a wild time and do meet someone just take a second to think is this something that could be special because if you know it's just a one night thing then do whatever you like but if there's even a chance you might go on a date or could fall for this person try and slow down the drinking and get a number then text him or her the next day casually, did you have fun last night? It's ****, how's your head? Wait for a response, if there's isn't one then there's your answer.

Alcohol doesn't have to make you stupid and although everyone's done things we regret, alcohol can drive away someone that could be special, so just be yourself and take care of yourself and your prospective partners will do the same. When it's the real thing, you're drunk on love anyway and you simply won't need a drink to be flying.