1. Make sure all parties have a Rov or mentor who they are in contact with vis-a-vis the checking and dating process
2. Know the difference between ???? and ??? (Hashkafos are ????, Tablecloths and what soup is served friday night is a ???.
3. Let it be known you are listening to suggestions, but keep quiet about your dating, ESPECIALLY TO OTHER BOCHURIM OR SINGLE GIRLS. Only speak with family and your Rov/Mentor about the dates.
4. Be Aware, and be a Mentch. Often dates turn sour because one party lacks a certain level of awareness towards the other person. Try to read their features, are they cold, tired, thirsty (You can ask if you have a doubt!)
5. If it doesn’t work out, you can suggest it to a friend if you think it might be Shayach.
6. You need not be 100% certain an idea will work in order to reht a shidduch
7. When you have an answer, give it. Nothing is worse than waiting for the other party to give an answer.
8. Be Honest with the Shaddchan, if you have an aversion to Hotel Lobbies, tell the shaddchan to let the other side know.
9. Try not to go out 2 days in a row. Also, if possible, try to avoid going back to the same place. Easier to differentiate what happened on what date when things are in different locations.
10. Be yourself. And always to a cheshbon after each date asking yourself “How do I act in the presence of this person?” am I honest, do they bring out my good qualities, or those middos I need to improve? You get a much clearer picture when you analyze yourself. Only afterwords should you analyze the other party.
That is just some quick things off the top of my head.
Hatzlacha