By Laura Snyder

It’s your first date, maybe your second, and the person across the dinner table from you is drop-dead gorgeous…and that’s about all you know at this point. But if it’s lasting love you’re looking for, handsome is as handsome does. Here, some sneaky ways to figure out if your new partner has potential.

She (Yes!) Has Cats

Stupid clichés aside, a great date will have a cat, or a dog, a nephew they’re nuts for….even a plant will do. A person who can get up and feed something every day is not one afraid of commitment. You want to know this new honey can nurture and be there for something day in and day out.

Does He Feel Lucky?

Well, punk, do you? People who think they’re lucky in some way are grateful people. Which means that a grateful date is one who will later feel fortunate to have you in his or her life and will make sure you feel the love. Lucky you!

There’s Some Passion

Not just the between-the-sheets kind, but the kind that makes him or her really excited about something in life. Whether its rock-climbing, volunteerism or music, a passionate person will really add something to your life…and your bedroom.

She Buckles Up

Does she buckle her seatbelt? Does he eat all his vegetables? Look for those little gestures that show your date cares about him or herself and his or her well-being.

You’ve Got Enough Sexual Attraction (For Another Date)

The way he or she looks, smells, talks, smiles….something – or everything – about this person should give you a little zing! of sexual excitement. That said, you don’t have to feel an entire lifetime’s worth of that zing! all at once. Forget about whether or not you’ll be together ‘til death do you part, is there enough attraction to warrant a date number two?

If the chemistry’s not there, all the potential in the world won’t make up for it.