You could always set up the old "emergency phone call" bit. Have a friend call you about an hour or so into your date ... you can either (make an excuse) the kids are sick, emergency at home, etc., and exit the unhappy evening, or just say thanks and hang up if things are going well.

When I am on a date with someone I am certain I will enjoy being with, I make a point of turning off my cell phone IN FRONT OF HIM. It sends the message that I am really "there," interested in him, and not just killing time with him.

Often they make a spontaneous response, at the very least they go "Oh!" before they can stop themselves from verbalizing, and some also respond in kind by turning off their cell phone too (which then I know we are BOTH there).

If you don't feel right about the date picking up your tab if things go badly, bring cash and give it to the server (or I guess you can leave it on the table and dash) to cover your share of the evening on your way out....

No, I have never used the phone call, but there were times I wished I had thought to do so.... I always bring adequate cash with me on the first 5 or so dates with a man, just in case.

I have never had a man expect me to pick up my share of the tab, but I have offered to on dates I did not feel were very successful pairings. Men will typically turn this offer down, but I am always prepared just in case one ever takes me up on it.

First, if the guy is an unknown make the first date a brief one, lunch instead of dinner, coffee instead of a meal. Second, pay your own way. If you are his guest you owe him the courtesy of being a pleasant date. If, in spite of all precautions, you can't manage to make pleasant conversation for the brief time allotted to being together, I'd be honest and say "I don't see any possibilities here. I don't want to waste your time or my own" and leave.

Don't prolong your agony. If you really know it's going nowhere, say so, and leave. It's easiest to do this when you're just having coffee, so do that a time or two before meeting the person for a meal.

well yeah if you feel its not going anywhere then just say so and leave

Fisrt off, drive to a spot in seperate cars. Safety first. Women need a way out too guys. Some men drink too much

and then want to drive..........

Better to drive seperate. Be honest.

Be calm and direct. If the person does not understand......... RUN FOR THE DOOR!

Most cities have a Wake Up call service so you can program your own emergency call.

The keep the first meeting or two short or limited to a particular activity is always wise. The activity is over and so is the date.

Spending some time on the phone to avoid the bad first date is mandatory. If I have any doubts on the phone it will most likely just get worse face to face.

I'm running with Jaki64. I always have a friend call exactly 45 minutes after the prearranged meet time or 1 hour after pickup.

I have been out with those who are attractive enough to ask out, but turn out to be poor choices for dating for any number of reasons.

I rarely go on completely blind dates, and even after seeing pictures or even talking on the phone predate, it may turn out that there is no chemistry when in person.

I will know within the first 5 minutes if the "emergency" warrants leaving or if a polite "I'm sorry, can I call you later" is called for.

There is absolutely no reason to spend any more time than necessary if you are uncomfortable, and this is a great, albeit obvious way of saying "This doesn't work for me" without saying it.