We all like to make a good impression on a date, especially a first date with someone. It’s often the little things which later stick in the mind about a person - their manners, their nicely polished shoes, their aftershave.

So when it comes to being a memorable date (in a good way), here are some tips on what small things can make a big difference. And in the spirit of equality, let’s have 5 for the chaps and 5 for the ladies…

Chaps - how to impress those ladies…

1. Be courteous

Nothing impresses me (and lots of ladies) more than a chap who is naturally well mannered. When I say ‘naturally’, I mean someone who means it! The guys who opens a door for you, takes your coat, is thoughtful to others…. It’s just nice to date a guy who has been well brought up and isn’t afraid to be a gentleman.

2. Be interesting in conversation

A good way to impress a lady is to have many strings to your bow when it comes to topics of conversation. At the risk of sounding borderline sexist here, I’m thinking most women wouldn’t be impressed by a date who rattles on all night about sports, IT, computer games and the like. So make sure you liven up the chat by being a good all-rounder.

3. Be an ‘arranger’

Whilst it sounds a no-brainer, men who plan and organise a date are well on their way to impressing a girl already. A guy who has ideas for where to go and what to do on a date, and then plans it all - purchases tickets, books the restaurant - is a winner.

4. Be the guy who remembered

I’m always impressed by someone who makes that special effort to a) listen, b) remember what you’ve said and then c) follow it up, sometimes weeks later, by a thoughtful gesture. So my advice to the fellas out there - aside from ‘listen, lots’ - is to try to say, do, or arrange something small which shows you’ve really understood your date, even if it’s something silly, like buying her a tube of Jelly Tots because she mentioned she liked them.

5. Be great on the dance floor!

Watch Strictly Come Dancing, pay for lessons, whatever it takes, just know how to move when the music starts. Being able to keep in time to the music (lots can’t) and move those hips will bring a big smile to your date’s face. And you know the score - dance like your dad and it’s goodnight Charlie.

Ladies - how to make a great impression on the lads…

1. Be funny

I reckon a lot of girls worry about what they’re wearing on a date, and the whole appearance thing is uppermost in their minds. But fret not! Whilst looking nice is of course, nice - you shouldn’t overlook the effect a great sense of humour can have on a guy. He’s far more likely to be bowled over by your wittiness than the brand of your shoes. Jokes and anecdotes will win him over, just you see.

2. Be adventurous

Guys like girls who aren’t afraid of letting their hair down and getting dirty. And before you start thinking ‘bedroom games’, I was meaning more ‘paintball’. Try not to put your life in danger, but be up for doing more than sitting all night sipping coyly on a margarita. Get out there and work up a bit of a sweat (…or should that be ‘glow’?). You may not be the GI Jane type, but rest assured they’ll be impressed that you’re willing to give quad-biking a go!

3. Be complimentary about his appearance

Now this one’s based on the premise that your date has actually made a decent effort and turned himself out nicely for you; tell him he looks (or smells) nice. Nothing like a bit of an ego boost to please a chap, and why not? Impress him by noticing that he’s made such an effort for you. Then he should keep up the good work in future.

4. Be sexy-clever

A good way to impress a guy is to have a finely balanced mix of intellect and mystique all rolled into one. Impress him with your knowledge of, say, music or art on one hand, but temper than with a minxy bit of flirty too. Men like women with brains and charm, so make sure you give him both on your date.

5. Be good at pool!

Would most men be impressed by a chick who knew how to handle a pool cue?! I think so! Girls - don’t win every game though, give your date a chance.

You can make an impact on your date in so many ways, but try some of the above as a starter for ten (well, five) and see how far you get. I’d wager one, or a combo of them, will work a treat in the ‘impress you date’ stakes (…just take care with the quad-biking).