Top 10 Tips For First Dates
1. First impressions last
It's been said many times before but that's because it is so true.
You need to make sure the first impression your date has of you is pleasant.
Dress to impress in something striking which doesn't reveal too much.
It's
important to leave some things to the imagination, but a nice fitting
dress which shows off all your best features is a good choice.
Be friendly and show that you are positive and confident.
Of
all the tips for first dates, this is one that cannot be ignored
because it is difficult to overcome a disastrous first impression
2. Plan aheadTry to plan your first date in advance, deciding where to go and what you are going to do together.
This
will show you have thought about the date and made the effort to think
about how you and your date should spend time together.
If you
leave planning until the day of the date, it makes you look unfocussed
and as if you're not concerned about success of the date.
It can also make for a very uneasy first few minutes of a date, as you both decide where you are going to go.
Some first dates never really happen because neither person can think of what to do - can you say awkward?
If you already know the guy and it isn't a blind date, try to gear the date towards something that will interest both of you.
3. Let him take control
Once you've met and exchanged the first few awkward minutes of conversation, let the guy take the lead.
This
may be against your natural urge, but it's a great way to find out what
the guy is all about. It's customary for the male to pay on the first
date, but you can offer to split the bill and politely say thank you
when he refuses to let you pay your portion.
You'll be able to
see how confident and assured he is if you let him lead the way, but
don't forget to let your confidence shine as well.
The first date is all about finding out if you want to go on a second date, or if the relationship should end.
4. Be yourselfWhile
you're trying to create a good impression of yourself and come across
as a great potential girlfriend, you should not put on a false front.
Although
it is tempting, you will have to keep up the act for the entirety of
the relationship if you pretend to be someone you are not on your first
date.
Instead, be yourself and show off the good aspects of your personality, while shielding what you may think is a turn off.
During the first date, you should focus on him, rather than yourself and be attentive and interested in him.
However, do not be afraid to talk about your own interests when the flow of the conversation goes your way.
5. Be interested in him.
As
mentioned above, being interested in the other party is more important
than being overtly interesting and extroverted yourself.
One of
the key tips for first dates is to spend a lot more time listening to
what your date has to say and less time talking about yourself.
Not
only does this show how attentive and interested you are, it also
allows you to see different aspects of your date’s personality and
determine if you want to commit to any further dates.
Another great way to show your interest is to learn a little about your date's interests before going out together.
6. Don't talk about past relationships.One of the definite faux pas on a first date is to talk in depth about past relationships.
There's
a fairly good chance the subject will come up in conversation, but it's
how you deal with it and how much detail you provide that will
determine the reaction you receive.
Think of how you would feel if your date began discussing his past relationships.
You need to start with a clean slate and comparing your date to past boyfriends is not the way to do that to achieve that.
7. Turn off your phone.This tip is common sense, but one of the tips for first dates that people often ignore.
It's surprising how many people do not turn off their cell phone before a date.
Turning
off your cell phone before a date is essential to show respect, as well
as a great way to let him know that all of your attention is focussed
on him.
Not
only could your phone ring during dinner, but even a glance at your
phone could give the impression that you are looking for an exit
strategy, or that you are not 100% focussed on your date.
8. Be open and honest First of all be open to suggestions for the date including where you should eat and what you should do afterwards.
If you are too insistent on the date going the way you expect it to, this might suggest that you are unwilling to compromise.
Also, be willing to talk openly and honestly about yourself, without giving every small detail about your life.
If
asked a direct question, answer in an honest and friendly manner. It's
very important not to lie about anything, as tempting as it might be.
Even
if your lie sticks on the first date, any future dates could be ruined
if your potential mate finds out that you have not been truthful.
9. Don't get too physical It's best to play it safe and stick to your principles by keeping the physical contact to a minimum on a first date.
It's
premature on a first date to do anything like hold hands, or walk arm
in arm as though you are a couple - you might give your date the
impression that you are too eager. A kiss at the end of the date is
fine, but only if it feels right.
If the date did not go well, a quick hug or even just a wave goodbye might be appropriate.
If
the situation is awkward and your date seems to be prepping for a kiss
and another date, you can always take a cab home to avoid feeling
awkward.
10. Enjoy yourself
It is important to enjoy
yourself on a first date. You've prepared yourself for this moment and
you are feeling confident and happy - now is the time to relax and enjoy
yourself.
Don't think ahead too much, focusing on this first
date and how it goes, rather than how the relationship may turn out in
the end.
You'll have plenty of time and opportunity to analyze how the date went after it's over, so just enjoy it!
These tips for first dates can ensure that you and your date have a good time.
Even
if you catch the menu on fire, spill a drink on yourself, break a heel,
or realize during dessert that you have food stuck in your teeth, you
can still have a successful first date and hopefully get a call for a
second date together.