More often than not, first dates are usually scary or intimidating because maybe you are meeting each other for the first time. Obviously, you want to impress your date but still relax and have a good time. It helps to have some tips in mind to make you have confidence.
During your first date, this is how to prepare:
- FIGURE OUT THE AGENDA. Plan the occasion yourself or ask your date what you will be doing at that particular time. Choose what you will wear. If you are planning a date try something besides dinner or movies. Go hiking, nature walk, to a museum and the like. You can also ask your date what they have in mind so that you can work on it as well.
- BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE. Build up your self-esteem before the date by doing something that makes you feel good about yourself. Give yourself a you- talk or visualize about the date going on well, if you are shy try standing in front of the mirror and talk to the person inside it which is you.
- GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO GET READY. Give yourself enough time to get ready for a date. For example getting your hair done, getting on a new dress or shoes. Don’t put yourself in a final rush situation otherwise you will mess your date. Also, avoid getting ready too far in advance it makes you nervous.
- CONFIRM THE TIME AND PLACE YOU WILL MEET. Make sure you are communicating with your date about how, where and when you will hook, up this avoids confusion or awkwardness that could ruin things from the start
HOW TO BEHAVE DURING THE DATE.
- SMILE AND GREET YOUR DATE WARMLY. Say hello when you finally hook up, go in for a quick but friendly hug to show that you are happy to see them and finally meet them, try cracking a quick joke to break the ice or any awkwardness this makes your date feel comfortable around you.
- MAKE EYE CONTACT. Show your date that you are having some good time by looking at them which obviously shows you are listening and enjoying yourself, keep neutral facial expression
- GET CLOSE TO YOUR DATE. Show some interest by being physically close to your date if you both feel comfortable. Try sitting on the same side of the table at a restaurant so that you can maintain eye contact. Also, don’t get in too close remember it is a first date keep in mind your boundaries with the person when it comes to physical contact, if they are too touchy or tries to swoop in for a kiss ‘’ say hey, I really like you but I prefer taking things slow.
- ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMON INTERESTS. Take it as an opportunity to learn a lot about the other person and also what you have in common. Ask general questions like school, work, hobbies, family and the like. Avoid topics like religion, politics, and former relationships, don’t make the questions look like you are both attending an interview. Make fun of them and joke alongside.
- TELL STORIES. Don’t be boring on your date come up with things to talk about, don’t wait to be asked questions or be told stories. Participate in the date by being interactive.
- OFFER TO PAY. During a first date a gentleman should act as a man and offer to pay for the bill. It shows respect and courtesy.
- SUGGEST A SECOND DATE. If all goes well ,try to suggest another date, promise to call or text each other when you get home. Say goodbye with another hug or a kiss if you both feel comfortable. Also, if things don’t go well or you didn’t like the date, don’t just walk out and go, don’t be afraid to refuse a second date. You can politely say ‘’thank you, dinner was delicious but I am not looking up for another date. Remember to always point out when you are not comfortable or was not happy in a date for example ‘’ that is offensive, I don’t like that’’, don’t do that again etc. That’s sounds mature and to the point.
