The three most important factors in retail are location, location and location. The same could be said of first dates.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so you might want to think your plan through before committing to it. It's not an exact science, but a little common sense can go a long way. Taking the other person into consideration is the best place to start. By putting yourself in your date's shoes (not literally!), you could avert disaster.

Take the case of the eLOVE TV show's couple Stephan and Mandy. Their first encounter was right out of a Hollywood film. Stephan, a New York City cop, chose for their rendezvous to take place atop the Empire State Building.

"I'm big on first impressions," he said, reasoning that Mandy was coming all the way from England for her first ever trip to New York, so why not start at the top?

Stephan, camera crew in tow, made a much bigger impression than expected. Like paper clips drawn to a magnet, a crowd of cheering onlookers gathered within range of the camera. The surprise bonus of spirited fans clapping punctuated an already well thought-out plan.

Most important to Stephan was the dramatic effect of the meeting place, but other factors figured into the equation as well. He felt it was important to meet somewhere open, public and safe. Other options he had considered included the ice skating rink in Central Park, Times Square or Battery Park. Anywhere with a great view of the impressive New York skyline would have done the trick.

Stephan felt that some choices would have been inappropriate.

"In a small, dark restaurant you're trapped," he noted, "There's nothing to play off or talk about."

The breathtaking views from high above Manhattan are hard to beat, but that doesn't mean you have to travel to the Big Apple to score points with the object of your desire.

Keeping it simple is never a bad idea. The less complicated the plan, the fewer things to go wrong. We all have to eat, so something involving food can help kill two birds with one stone. While a small, dark restaurant might not be the way to go for your first time at bat, there are plenty of airy bistros and cafes to suit any occasion. Choose a spot with a decent view, interesting art or good people-watching potential.

Initial meetings can be awkward, so you want to make sure that you've chosen a spot where you both can be comfortable. Had Mandy had a serious fear of heights, Stephan's plan could've backfired. Similarly, if you choose to meet aboard a boat, make sure your date won't require a brown paper bag and a lifetime supply of pills to combat motion sickness.

To you the circus might be the greatest show on earth, but what if your date has a deep-rooted, irrational fear of clowns? In other words, don't make assumptions that what's good for the goose is necessarily good for the gander. It takes two to tango, so unless you want to be dancing solo — keep your partner foremost in mind.