High Life: A Weekly Forum For High School Students : Keeping First Date From Being Last One

Wouldn’t it be great if you could skip the dreaded first date, thus avoiding all the headaches it entails?

Perhaps then all the nerves, lulls in conversation and general uneasiness would magically disappear, making life easier for both parties. But in real life, the first date looms very large indeed.

Hot Topics wonders, “What’s smart to do and not to do on a first date?”

“Don’t play dumb or eat spaghetti.” Jami Deusterman, 16, senior, Marina

“It’s best to talk and have fun to see if you get along. You shouldn’t get down and dirty right away.” Laurel Carlin, 17, senior, Marina

“It’s smart to watch out for and respect yourself.” Stacy Gerry, 17, senior, Newport Harbor

“Beware of your date’s actions and hints.” Michelle Pond, 16, senior, Esperanza

“It’s not smart to have too much sexual activity.” Mikeala Bowman, 15, sophomore, Laguna Hills

“A girl should bring a girlfriend along.” Colour Frazier, 16, senior, Marina

“Don’t eat too many beans or talk too much about yourself.” Brian Wahlberg, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“Don’t try to overimpress. Be yourself.” Susan Huberman, 17, senior, Los Alamitos

“Don’t run out of gas and don’t lose your keys or wallet. “ Jason Lahmani, 17, senior, Edison

“Make sure that he knows you’re in control and that you know what you’re doing.” Jennifer Gonzalez, 15, sophomore, Los Alamitos

“It’s smart to talk and to get to know each other. It’s not smart to get physical.” Autumn Teeter, 16, senior, Santiago

“Don’t go all the way.” Laura Corns, 15, sophomore, Brethren Christian

“I don’t think you should lie to impress them.” Marci Fuscardo, 17, senior, Brea-Olinda

“It’s smart to get to know each other.” Annette Garcia, 14, freshman, Garden Grove

“Make sure you’re with the right person.” Jennifer Lothrigel, 14, freshman, Fountain Valley

“Bring extra money in case he’s a jerk and you need to take a taxi home.” Ashlee Eagle, 16, junior, Los Alamitos

“Go somewhere during the day, out in the open, so you don’t have to me intimate and lovey-dovey.” Jessica Bixenman, 17, senior, Newport Harbor

“Don’t go to the movies; do something fun.” Holly Vernola, 17, senior, Irvine

“Find out more about who they are before you kiss them.” January Penne, 14, sophomore, Corona del Mar

“Don’t try to be someone you’re not.” Dawn Dillman, 15, junior, Mater Dei

“Be yourself; don’t just act the way you think they want you to act.” Chris Efo, 17, senior, Brea-Olinda

“Don’t talk about ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends.” Alex Hallgarten, 16, junior, El Dorado

“It’s definitely smart to keep the conversation going and find out about the other person. It’s not smart to kiss on the first date.” Amy Bolton, 17, senior, Brea-Olinda

“Take your time and get to know her well.” Jose Moreno, 15, freshman, Estancia

“Go to movies with friends.” Britt Hansen, 17, senior, Whittier Christian

“It’s not smart to act immature. Be nice and be on your best behavior.” Ken Aeth, 15, junior, El Dorado

“Be yourself and have a good time.” Claudia Herrera, 16, junior, Mater Dei

“Keep the conversation going, and it’s smart not to be too forward.” Eric Pritchett, 16, junior, El Dorado

Next Week’s Hot Topic: What’s your most memorable family vacation?