First Date Tips

First dates can be extremely nerve racking. Here are a few tips to remember on a first date to relieve the pressure a bit.

Be on time - The most important thing to remember on a first date is never be late. This is a bad first impression and will have your date thinking that you are either uninterested or just plain unreliable. If your tardiness is beyond your control be sure to let your date know the situation. Do not have them waiting for you without knowledge of what is going on.

Grooming – Take pride in how you dress. First impressions are important. If you cannot make the effort for a first date, then you will come across as uninterested or just plain lazy. With this being said, you want to look good but you also want to be comfortable in what you are wearing to avoid adjusting and fiddling with your attire throughout the date.

Talk and listen – Spend equal amounts of time doing the talking and listening. For those who are shy, do prior research on conversation starters. This will minimize any awkward silences in the evening. Get to know your date by asking questions and then offer your own answer to the same question.

Drink responsibly – Many choose a few quiet drinks for a first date as the alcohol takes the sting off the nerves. If you chose to do this, be sure to drink responsibly to avoid embarrassment or disaster. Be sure to stay within reason especially if you are driving your date home.

Compliments – Compliment your date at any chance that you see fit. It is always nice to hear that people notice those little things that you have given extra attention to. ie an outfit. Be sincere in your compliments and do not over-compliment as it may come across as being desperate. It can also leave your date feeling uncomfortable.

Pick up the cheque – if you were the one to ask your date out, it is only respectful that you pay for the date. Some people have issues with being shouted for. If this be the case, make the suggestion of going dutch. It is hard to tell what category someone is in when you are first getting to know them. It doesn’t hurt to ask your date if they mind if you pay for the meal. This is more commendable then asking them if they want to go dutch.

Meeting Up – Always offer to pick your date up. Even if you are declined at least you are showing that you are willing to make it as easy as possible for them. Choose a meeting place that is somewhere in between where you both live. You do not want either of you to go out of your way and possibly out of your comfort zone.

Avoid assumptions – Unless you are absolutely sure that your date is into sports or dancing etc do not plan a date specifically for these events. Etc do not take your date to a sports event unless you know that sport is an interest of theirs. This may be right up your ally, but the point of a first date is getting to know each other. There is no point in being somewhere that both of you are not going to enjoy.

Smile with confidence – this will show your date that you are enjoying yourself and that you want to be there. Pretty simple really, but can make all the difference to the person accompanying you. Be confident. If you are not confident, pretend you are. Confidence is incredibly sexy.

And perhaps the most important thing to remember -

Be Yourself – Embrace all that you are. Show the real you. If you are going to hook your date into wanting to learn more, the only way to do this is by being yourself. Do not waste anybodies time by pretending to be something that you’re not, only for that person to find out the real you weeks or months in. It is the real you who you want them to fall in love with.

I wish you all success in your dating adventures!