Preparing for a first date can feel intimidating, but it’s important to relax and be yourself. A little anxiety is okay, but too much can make your date uncomfortable.
It’s also important to be mindful of your body language and the words you use. Avoid complaining or criticizing. Instead, focus on building up others and yourself.
1. Look your best
Whether you’re going to the movies, a nice restaurant or bowling, your goal is to impress your date. So, while a little bit of pre-date jitters is completely normal, you’ll want to eliminate the type of stress that can make you flustered and cause you to look uncomfortable during your date.
For example, if you have a tendency to over-style your hair (think: tousled waves, a ponytail or half-up style), try not to do that before your first date. A simple, natural-looking style will make you feel less stressed and more confident.
It’s also a good idea to come up with a few conversation starters ahead of time. That way, if your plans change or you find yourself stuck for something to say, you’ll be ready with an alternative.
And be sure to give your date plenty of eye contact and smile. These simple gestures will communicate that you’re interested in them and open to sharing about yourself. Avoid complaining or criticizing others, as well — this will come across as negative and can make your date feel uncomfortable.
2. Be on time
It’s always a good idea to arrive on time for your date. This will show your date that you’re punctual and reliable, which can help to build trust in the relationship. It also shows that you’re invested in the date and are taking it seriously.
If you’re going to be late, make sure to give your date a heads up. This will prevent them from waiting around for you for an extended period of time, which can be awkward and nerve-wracking.
Also, try not to use your phone during your date. This can seem like you’re distracted or bored, which may send the wrong message to your date. Instead, focus on making eye contact and smiling, which can be a great way to communicate that you’re engaged in the conversation. Also, avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these can be signals that you’re nervous or uncomfortable.
3. Be yourself
It’s fine to be a little nervous or anxious, but don’t let those feelings keep you from being your best self. It’s important that your date gets a chance to get to know the real you and you should always try to stay true to who you are.
If you find yourself worrying that you won’t have anything to talk about, write down a list of possible conversation topics before your date. This can include things like your hobbies, favorite movies or TV shows, pet peeves and more. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for your first date.
It is also important to avoid talking about anything too personal on your first date, but don’t be afraid to bring up more serious topics if they arise. For example, if your date talks about their religion, beliefs or political views, don’t be afraid to ask questions about them. Be sure not to dominate the conversation, however, as this can be off putting. Lastly, remember to smile and lean in when your date is speaking. This will show that you are interested and engaged in the conversation.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Asking questions is a great way to break the ice and show that you’re interested in getting to know your date. However, you don’t want to interrogate your date or make it feel like a job interview. Instead, focus on revealing more about your date’s personality and interests through open-ended questions.
For example, if your date loves playing sports, you could ask them about their favorite local team or how they got into the sport. This will give you an idea of their fitness level, competitiveness, and what they enjoy about the sport.
If your date is a big fan of a certain movie or band, you can also use this as an opportunity to ask them for recommendations. You might find that you have similar tastes in music or movies, which is a good sign for a potential future relationship.
Just remember to save the questions about their ex-lovers or that night they ended up naked in jail for a later date. Sharing too much too soon can be a huge turnoff.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second date
It’s important to be prepared for a first date. If you don’t, you could end up spending time with someone who isn’t interested in dating you or just isn’t right for you. That’s why it’s important to look your best and be on time. This will show that you care about your appearance and that you value her time.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a second date. If you’re confident and have a good connection with her, she’ll be more likely to say yes. However, you should avoid being too forward or asking too soon. If you do, she may think that you’re only interested in her as a physical relationship.
Be sure to ask her questions and listen to her answers. Don’t be afraid to talk about your interests and hobbies, but avoid controversial topics like religion, politics, and exes. If something does come up, try to keep it lighthearted and don’t argue. Finally, don’t be afraid to break the physical barrier and use casual touches like incidental touching or hand-holding to build your connection.
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