You’ve met this potentially great person, you’ve exchanged numbers, talked about a possible future date…now what? Do you call right away when you get home, or do you wait so you don’t seem so desperate? While each individual and relationship is different, there a few guidelines you may want to consider as a general rule for phone etiquette.

1. Wait until the next day to call after a date.
When you do call, keep it short. A simple, “Just wanted to call and thank you for the date. I had a great time…” will suffice. You don’t want to call too soon to give the impression of being clingy or needy, and you don’t want to let too much time pass so your date doesn’t think you are interested in them. If you need to call again, make sure it is for an actual purpose, such as information needed for a next date.

2. For numbers or e-mail addresses received in a club or other dating scene, contact after 2 days.
Chances are you barely even exchanged names, let alone any pleasantries. Don’t give your potential partner a reason to think you take names and numbers from strangers as a frequent habit. Two days is plenty of time for them to wonder if you’ll call, and to be pleasantly surprised when you do. Don’t wait any longer than three days or you may have to explain who are, an uncomfortable position for anyone to be in.

3. As a rule, don’t call the person more than they call you.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of being the one to call the other. I know for some people this may not be possible to avoid, but if you can accomplish it, you’ll feel much better knowing the interest is equal on both sides. How many times have you wondered if they actually were interested in you because they never call you?

4. Always be upfront and honest on the phone.
It can be very easy to let a little white lie slip on the phone, especially since they can’t see you in person. Don’t do it. Don’t exaggerate your interests, your personality, etc. Just be you. If they don’t like it, then they are not worth your time anyway. You don’t need to be liked by everyone who shows some interest.

5. Respect their work or living schedules.
If they have a different schedule, or have certain living conditions that prohibit free phone time, always take that into consideration before calling. It can be considered a huge turn-off for many.

6. Don’t call them at work, unless they have specifically asked you to.

7. If they don’t call you back, try two more times to call them, and then move on.
Three times is not a charm when it comes to phone etiquette. If they don’t have the decency to call and let you know what’s going on, or that they aren’t interested, you don’t need them. If you really, really, really thought there might be a connection you could try calling again in a month or so to see if their time has freed up.