Have you ever been on a romantic date? Most people have at some point in their lives. Maybe you married that person, or perhaps you’re still dating in search of the right person.

Dating can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. The stakes are high, and you want to make a great impression. Unfortunately, there are many pitfalls that exist in the dating game, and you need to be fully prepared so you can avoid looking foolish in front of your date. Having a well thought out plan is a good start. But being prepared is even better.

Make sure you are well prepared with these ideas….they work great for first date tips too! Here are the top nine ways to avoid embarrassing situations on a romantic date.

Bring Your Wallet

Have you ever attempted to purchase something and realized you didn’t have your wallet? Whether it was trying to buy groceries, checking out at a retail store, or picking up the tab at your favorite restaurant – it’s so embarrassing! Guy or girl, if you plan to pay for anything on your date, be sure you have your wallet on you.

Love My Drops

Sure, bad breath and B.O. are mood killers, but pooping at your girlfriend or boyfriend’s house is probably the worst thing you could do to invoke sex appeal. Pooping is something everyone does, and while it’s completely natural – nobody wants to smell it.

When nature calls you answer, so what can you do to avoid the embarrassing poop smell you’re sure to leave behind? Introducing Love My Drops! This all-natural product works like magic to stop poop smell before it even starts. Simply add a drop or two to the surface of the toilet water and go with confidence. No smell. No embarrassment.

Dental Floss

If you excuse yourself to use the restroom, and find there’s something stuck in your teeth, having dental floss can save the day. If you’ve ever noticed something stuck in your teeth, but have trouble removing it, you know how frustrating that can be. A roll of dental floss is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse.

Pocket Mirror

Your reflection doesn’t lie. Pocket mirrors can be a girl’s (and guys) best friend on a romantic date because they will let you know if your makeup is smudged, if you have food in your teeth, or if you need to powder your nose. Having your handy pocket mirror can save you from morbid embarrassment.

Menu Preparation

If you’re going out for dinner and you’re familiar with the restaurant than you may already know what you’ll want to order ahead of time. However, if it’s a new restaurant that you’ve never been to, it’s a good idea to review a menu before leaving the house, so you can walk in confidently without the awkwardness of not being ready to order when your date is.

Meal Choice

While we’re on the subject of ordering food, it’s wise to make a meal choice that at least requires utensils. Even some foods that require a fork may not be the best choice on a hot date. Unless you’re really comfortable with your date, eating wings, or spaghetti are probably not the best food choices for a romantic date…for obvious reasons.

Deodorant

Unless you’re living in a cave, you should have started (and continued) to wear deodorant since puberty. Try getting close with someone while you reek of body odor – good luck with that! If it’s a first date, there probably won’t be a second one. Be sure to wear deodorant.

Gum or Mints

Depending on how well a date goes, or how serious your relationship is, there’s a chance you may be getting physically intimate later in the evening. Whether it’s a quick good night kiss, or something a little more serious, bad breath can be an instant mood killer! Always have gum or mints handy, so you don’t mess up a potentially big moment.

Silence Your Phone

Our phones tend to ring at the worst times. It can be so embarrassing when it rings while you’ve in a meeting, or attending a church, wedding or funeral service. Although it may not be quite as embarrassing if your phone rings on a romantic date, it can still be awkward.

Let your date know they are the most important person right now and everything else can wait. An easy way to do that is to just leave it in the car.  But If you (really) need your phone, be sure to silence it.