Ellen meets Jim at a posh restaurant, hoping for an evening of fine wine and better conversation. Maria sets out on a walk with a man she's been looking forward to meeting. In <i>First Date Stories</i>, these women, and others, enter into initial liaisons with well-honed expectations--and come out on the other side with extraordinary tales to tell. <p/>Chances are, every woman in her mid-thirties and over who is seeking a loving companion has a first date tale of triumph or disaster. Each of the candid and memorable stories Jodi Klein shares here imparts a bit of wisdom--with the help of takeaway tips and inspirational quotes--to guide readers through what can be a baffling, intimidating, and sometimes lonely journey. <p/>Before a promising first date, or after an awful one, <i>First Date Stories</i> offers readers the reminder that being single should be celebrated, that not all first dates are created equal, and that every initial encounter has the possibility to become something long-lasting and wonderful.