Dating someone new can be both exciting AND excruciating. On the one hand, there’s the exhilaration that comes with meeting and getting to know someone new, someone you could really like. On the other hand, there’s the uncertainty of how to secure those first few dates ? and once you’re on a date, how to make an exit that leaves you both either wanting more or agreeing to part ways mutually. Try any of the following strategies and it’ll help your end a date gracefully.

Keep Things Fun and Casual

By keeping the entire date relaxed and fun, you allow both yourself and your date to feel comfortable and create the ideal environment for getting to know each other. In the end, you both get to make a decision about whether or not you’d like to see one another again. This is essential to a successful dating future.

Have Your Own Transportation

If you haven’t established a comfort level with the person you’re dating, have your own transportation to and from your date. That way, you’re both free to come and go as you please. Plus, you’ll avoid the situation where you are ready to call it a night and go home but he or she still wants to hang out.

Read End-of-Date Cues

At the end of a date, pay attention to your date’s verbal and nonverbal cues, as they will tell you if and/or when a goodnight kiss is in the cards. For example, if he or she steps closer when saying goodbye, leans in during your parting conversation, tells you that it was a great date, or lingers while giving you a goodbye hug, all thse signal that your date just might want you to make the next move. If you pick up on these signals, proceed according to how you feel. For example, if you’re ready, lean in for a gentle goodnight kiss. Your date will kiss you back or pull away if you read that person wrong. Keep in mind that a first kiss should be brief and tongue-free, showing your date that you like and respect him or her. There will be plenty of time for a more passionate kiss as you continue dating.

Set an End Time for your Date in Advance

When dating someone new, keep your first few dates short and set specific end times for your activity ahead of time. That way, both you and your date have similar expectations about how, where, and when the date will end. When appropriate, let your date know you’d like to go out again. If that person feels the same, he or she will most likely respond favorably. At that point, let your date know when and how you’ll be in contact again (and keep your word!). If your date is not interested, he or she will probably be honest, letting you down easy. Either way, keep this exchange brief, so that you can avoid any awkwardness from a lingering downward spiral at the end of the date.

Honesty is Always the Best Policy

The key to ending any date successfully is to be honest and direct about whether or not you’d like to see the other person again. Don’t tell someone you’ll call or that you’d like to set another date if you don’t genuinely feel that way. Don’t lead your date on when you’re not interested. Leaving someone hanging emotionally will only cause confusion on his or her part. When in doubt, practice honesty, kindness, and consideration. Your date will thank you.