Few among us are immune to the sweaty palms, outfit angst, and the bittersweet mix of excitement and dread that accompanies a first date. If the thought of meeting a potential suitor for the first time makes your stomach do cartwheels, you’re not alone. A recent poll found that 89 percent of would-be lovers battle nerves before a first date. While 39 percent routinely turn to alcohol to ease their anxiety, experts say masturbation, yes, you read that correctly, is a far more effective strategy.