By Devon McCollum

It is good to be remembered...and it is even better to be remembered in a positive light. You got the date, you had a great time, and you want to keep your new love thinking of you. Leave a lasting impression that makes him or her remember you in a positive light.

Smile often, smile a lot. People who smile are projecting their happiness and good-natured qualities to the world. It is good to be remembered for smiling, as it is usually an indication that you are having a good time. Smiling too much, or inappropriately - like during moments of nervousness - is not necessarily a good thing, so keep it within reason.

Be appreciative. Being appreciative is something that can't usually be faked. If you get a great bouquet of flowers or a wonderful free dinner, show your appreciation and mean it. Saying "thank you" for actually going out with you doesn't count as positive, it counts as desperate. This gets you nowhere.

Be an expert at something. Everyone knows something about something. Demonstrate your knowledge if the opportunity presents itself. For example, you can fascinate someone with your knowledge of art on a date to the art museum. That is nice. You must be aware that you can cross the line and come off as a know-it-all, which will leave an impression of the other kind. Also, avoid the one-trick pony syndrome of having only one thing to talk about. If you are an avid reader, make it known, but do not compare everything else during the date to a novel or writer.

Manners are everything. Your mother was right: Manners are everything. The world would be a much happier place if people used their manners (or proved that they knew any). Being polite and well-mannered will earn you more points during a date than almost anything else. Be polite by listening carefully, repeating key words and phrases, and appropriately using gestures. Use better than average etiquette. Heck, go ahead and pull out her chair at the restaurant. She'll fondly remember her date with the guy with the manners and he will think he's found the girl to bring home to Mom.