Terri Ramsey Beavers For the most part, people are usually nervous on a first date. This is totally natural because you want to make a good first impression. But if you struggled in the past, you might feel discouraged before going on another one. And maybe you even started avoiding the dating game. But first dates do not have to be hard or complicated. You just have to approach it the right way. Hence the reason for these tips for your first date.
1. Choose An Appropriate Place
One of your main priorities for a first date should be choosing the most appropriate setting. For example, going to a movie or a concert is not ideal because neither of these settings allows you to have a proper conversation. In fact, you want to avoid surroundings where there is bound to be a lot of noise.
Instead, go on a picnic, sit down at a quiet restaurant, and maybe even set up something special at the beach. The point is to take your first date somewhere you can talk and possibly connect. But sitting in a loud movie theatre watching a movie is not the ideal setting.
2. Grooming Shows You Care
There is a difference between being superficial and merely taking good care of yourself. And regardless of whether you are going on a first or last date, it shows character when you take pride in your appearance. For example, prioritize small things like wearing clean and appropriate clothes. Make sure you smell nice, and your breath is tolerable, at the very least.
At the end of the day, grooming speaks to basic hygiene. And you will automatically make an impression if you show up looking like you cared enough to groom beforehand. Even if the date does not go well, you won’t walk away with any regrets. MintDate.com dating blog is one such blog which you can refer to make your dating experience more enjoyable and fruitful.
3. Be Open-Minded
Overall, there is nothing wrong with being passionate about certain things. And passion is something that usually attracts others to you. But when you are on a first date, it might be wise to go in more open-minded. For instance, if your date for the evening supports a view you disagree with, it does not mean you have to challenge them because of it.
Always remember that a first date is mainly about testing compatibility. It gives you the opportunity to discover how much you have in common and whether a second date is worth trying. A first date is not, however, meant to debate and bicker about the different opinions you have.
4. A Conversation Has Two Sources
Don’t you hate it when you form part of a conversation, but you don’t get a chance to say anything? And when you do manage a word or two, the other person does not seem to care. If you find this annoying, then keep it in mind on your first date.
Yes, your date wants to hear about you and get to know who you are. But the whole night is not supposed to be about you. In other words, try to find a balance between listening and sharing.
5. Bring A Small Gift
Bringing a small gift along for your first date is not mandatory. But if you want to make a lasting impression and start the date on a positive note, consider buying a small gift. A box of chocolates or some flowers might sound old-fashioned, but they still do the trick. Remember, it’s not the gift that matters. It’s the fact that you took the initiative.
6. Too Much Information?
Keep the conversation topics light-hearted on your first date. Why? Because you can’t be sure there will be a second one. First dates, at the core, are supposed to be fun and exciting. But nothing dampers the mood quicker than sad stories about your ex and how they broke your heart. If all goes well on the first date, there will be time for more in-depth discussions that aren’t necessarily “happy” in nature.
The last thing you want is to scare off your date because you tried to tell them everything about you in one night. Leave something for your next encounters and make sure you can trust the person with personal information first.
7. Compliments Are Always Welcome
Another great way to start the date on a positive note is by giving one or two compliments. It can be about their attire for the date or the way they did their hair. Just keep it tasteful and respectful.
8. Show Up On Time
One of the worst things you can do on your first date is to show up late. Unless you have a perfect reason, make it a point to be at the arranged meeting place early or on time. Few things in life can frustrate people like waiting for a date.
9. Think Of Conversation Topics Beforehand
If you are scared that you won’t have anything to talk about during the date, why not come up with some topics beforehand? Asking questions about your date usually works well, and you can create a lot of conversation with basic interests. For instance, what music do they like? What hobbies do they have? So, take a few minutes to make a list of things to talk about.
Whether this is your actual first date or you simply want some advice on how to make your first dates go better, take these suggestions to heart!