Mace
Just good to have in general because you never know if you’ll need to protect yourself—or, God forbid, your date.

	Emergency cash means you’ll be able to take care of yourself.

Emergency cash
Not to be pessimistic, but you don’t want to get stranded with empty pockets nor do you want to get stuck with the bill. In any case, you’ll be able to take care of yourself.

Picture of large, burly man
If things get a little out-of-hand, show it to your date, and tell him it’s your big brother—the one who just signed on with WCW. He’ll get the picture.

Dental floss can save you from a spinach malfunction.

Cell phone with pre-programmed emergency numbers
911; Poison Control (you never know!); best friend; large, burly brother (if you really do have one).

Condoms
Most guys won’t have these in their wallets (or at least won’t admit to it) on a first date, so as not to be presumptuous. So if you think sex is a possibility, and you don’t care about appearing presumptuous, it’s a good idea to play it safe.

Tampon
Need I say more?

Dental kit
Throw in some travel-size mouthwash, Altoids or mint gum, as well as some dental floss, should you wind up with a stubborn piece of spinach after dinner.

Makeup kit
If the date’s a hit, it could hold out a lot longer than your makeup. So don’t forget the essentials—powder, lipstick, blush and a little fragrance to freshen up.

Airplane-size bottle of your favorite liquor
In case you need more than good humor to get you through the evening.

Clean pair of underwear
Because you just never know—and because Mom always said it was a good idea.

In addition to being a playwright, freelance writer Susan Hayden is a fiction writer and poet. Her gift book, The Enchanted Bath, is available now.