The stars have aligned and the gods are smiling upon me, because in the past few weeks I’ve actually had some good luck in my dating life.

In one week I met two nice, cute guys, both of whom asked me out. (I figure it’s karma’s way of making up for the week I met four guys who were all kind of scary.)

Going on first dates always makes me evaluate what kind of date I am. I always wonder if I’m telling enough funny stories, making enough witty comments and throwing out enough flirty glances to keep the guy interested.

And, obviously, I’m evaluating what kind of date the guy is. Does he open the door for me? Does he tell me I look pretty? (Note to guys: These are things you should always do on a first date.)

What else makes a good first date? Briana Curtin says originality and spontaneity would “definitely get points.” And confidence is a must.

“If a person likes themselves, everyone else is going to like them,” she says.

Having confidence also makes both parties less nervous. I once went out with a guy who I knew really liked me. I also knew he was extremely nervous to be taking me out, which, in turn, made me extremely nervous during our date. A little bit of confidence — even if faked — would have set an easy, relaxed tone for the date, instead of an uptight, somewhat awkward one.

Making good conversation is another key to being a good first date. And you don’t have to worry about knowing every current event or trying to make them laugh at every story you tell. Just talk about what you like to do, find out what you have in common.

And when your date asks a question, respond and then, please, for me, ask them the same question. It is one of my pet peeves when I ask someone a question like what they do and they tell me and then don’t ask me what I do.

Joe Castillo is another one who says being able to carry on a conversation makes a good first date. Just make sure that conversation is with the person sitting next to you, not your best friend calling on your cell phone.

And when it comes to the end of the date, if you’re not feeling a connection, just tell them.

“Be blunt, don’t try to give clues” he says. “Don’t beat around the bush, because they might not get it.”

And if the date did go well, don’t be afraid to say that you’d like a second one. And tell her she looks pretty, again. We like hearing that.