Going on a first date can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You want to make a great first impression, but you also want to be yourself. It’s important to strike a balance between showing your interest and not coming on too strong. In this article, you’ll learn about some first date dos and don’ts, as well as some tips to help you make a great first impression.
When it comes to first date dos, it’s important to be yourself and show your interest in the other person. You should also be respectful, polite, and attentive. It’s a good idea to plan your date in advance and choose a location that’s comfortable and appropriate for both of you. Additionally, you should be prepared to listen and ask questions, and avoid talking about yourself too much.
On the other hand, there are also some first date don’ts that you should be aware of. For example, you should avoid being too negative or critical, as well as talking about your ex or past relationships. It’s also important to avoid being too pushy or aggressive, and to respect the other person’s boundaries and your own. By following these first date dos and don’ts, you can increase your chances of having a successful first date.
First Date Dos
Congratulations! You’ve landed a first date! Now it’s time to make a great impression. Here are some dos to keep in mind.
Conversation
When it comes to conversation, it’s important to strike a balance between talking and listening. Ask your date open-ended questions to get to know them better. Show interest in their work, hobbies, and passions. Avoid discussing politics, religion, and money on the first date. Humor is always a great icebreaker, but make sure your jokes are appropriate. Do your research on current events and pop culture to have some topics to discuss.
In these first conversations, one of the most important things is to be yourself. Most of the time people are so caught up with looking “cool” or trying to be someone else; trust me it won’t work. Just talk about you. Your hobbies, interests, work, family, anything to allow the person to get to know YOU. They are at the date to get to know you, not another person.
While talking about yourself is a key factor in a conversation, so is listening to the other person. Chances are if you are rambling on and on about yourself, they are gonna be board and want to leave as soon as possible. To avoid this, you must make sure to allow them to speak. Ask open-ended questions about their life and their personality. Just like how they are at the date for you, you are at the date for them.
Location
Choose a location that is comfortable, safe, and conducive to conversation. A coffee shop, park, or museum are great first date ideas. Avoid dinner and a movie, as it can be hard to connect with someone while sitting in silence for two hours. If you’re unsure about the location, ask your date for their input or give input back if you are asked.
Some ideas if you are stuck can include:
- Billiards
- Bowling
- Getting coffee
- Picnic
- Walking through a park or garden
Any of these things can be good first dates, however if none of these tickle your fancy, you can head on over to Women’s Health to find 70 great ideas for your first date.
Manners
Good manners go a long way on a first date. Be on time, dress appropriately, and bring your best self. Put your phone away and give your date your undivided attention (Busle). Practice good table manners and offer to pay for the date. If you’re not feeling a connection, be polite and respectful. Follow up with a text or call to thank your date for their time, and let them know if you’re interested in a second date.
Personally, I despise it when people are on their phones during an outing. And that goes for anybody. Even if it’s friends or family I think it’s disrespectful to be on your phone while you have company. So stay off your phone, put it on silent even so you can be attentive to the person across from you.
Remember, confidence is key on a first date. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. With these dos in mind, you’re sure to have a successful first date!
First Date Don’ts
When going on a first date, there are certain things you should avoid doing if you want to make a good impression. Here are some major don’ts to keep in mind:
Lie
Lying on a first date is a big no-no. It’s tempting to want to exaggerate your accomplishments or interests to impress your date, but it’s not worth it in the long run. If you lie about something and your date finds out later, it can damage the trust between you. Even little white lies can be deal breakers, so it’s best to be honest from the start.
Have you seen those teenage shows where a boy and a girl like each other and one of them lies about thing’s just to prove they have stuff on common? I don’t know about the rest of you, but that always made me cringe. It’s so easy to get caught in these lies so I highly advise against it. Just tell the truth. Everyone is interesting in their own way so there is no use lying about yourself.
Come on too Strong
While it’s important to show interest in your date, coming on too strong can be a turnoff. Showing to much interest like heavy flirting or trying overly hard to impress some one is not gonna make the date go in your favor. Also, refrain from making any sexual advances or comments unless there is verbal consent given. Remember, it’s a first date, so keep the conversation and atmosphere light and fun.
Excessive Touching
While physical touch can be a great way to show affection, it’s important to respect boundaries on a first date. Don’t touch your date too much, especially if they seem uncomfortable. Remember, just because you’re attracted to someone doesn’t mean they feel the same way. Be respectful and take things slow.
A hand shake, a light touch on the hand, and maybe a hug or kiss at the end are the only times you should touch someone. However, watch their body language and facial expressions when you do these to make sure they are comfortable and accepting towards your touch
In conclusion, when it comes to first dates, it’s important to date smart. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a successful first date. The final and most important step beside being yourself is to have fun!
First Impression
The first impression you make on your date can set the tone for the rest of the evening, and if I’m being honest, the rest of your relationship with that person. It’s important to make a good impression, but that doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Appearance
Your appearance is the first thing your date will notice about you. Dress appropriately for the occasion and make sure your clothes are clean and well-fitted. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or too casual, and pay attention to your grooming. Make sure your hair is styled, your nails are clean, and your breath is fresh. It’s also a good idea to wear a perfume or fragrance of some sort. Make sure it’s not to strong and obnoxious, but doing this will make your date remember you when ever they smell that scent.
Your online profile can also contribute to the first impression you make on a date. Make sure your profile accurately represents who you are and what you’re looking for. Use clear, recent photos and be honest about your interests and hobbies.
Smile
A smile can go a long way in making a good first impression. A warm, genuine smile can show your date that you’re happy to be there and interested in getting to know them. Practice your smile in the mirror beforehand if you’re feeling self-conscious. Remember to keep it natural and not too forced or cheesy.
During the date, be conscious about the face you are making. Do you look bored or upset? You don’t have to smile the whole time, just try to keep a relaxed pleasant face so you don’t scare off your partner or make them think they are boring. Try to stay connected through the eyes. Eye contact can go a long way on a first date, so make sure to practice making eye contact either with a partner or in the mirror by yourself.
Timeliness
Being on time is crucial for making a good first impression. Arriving late can send the message that you don’t value your date’s time or that you’re not interested in the date. Plan ahead to avoid any potential delays, such as traffic or getting lost. If you’re running late, be sure to communicate with your date at least 30 minutes before hand and let them know.
It’s very unprofessional to be late for anything in life. This goes for jobs, events, and yes, even dates. Especially if you want to date to go in your favor. Being late is almost the worst thing you can do. It’s better to be early, trust me.
Remember, making a good first impression is important, but it’s not everything. Be yourself and enjoy the experience of getting to know someone new.
First Date Tips
Going on a first date can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, with some preparation, follow-up, and the ultimate guide to online dating for women in 2019, you can make the most of your first date experience.
Preparation
Preparation is key to a successful first date. Start by choosing an activity that you both enjoy. This could be anything from a sit-down dinner to trying out a new activity together. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, consider asking a dating expert or checking out some suggestions for activities for first dates in your area.
In addition to choosing the right activity, it’s important to make sure you look and feel your best. Take some time to pick out an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re going on a sit-down dinner date, make sure to practice good table manners and brush up on your dining etiquette.
Follow-up
After the date, it’s important to follow up with your romantic partner. This could be as simple as sending a text to thank them for the evening and let them know you had a good time. If you’re interested in seeing them again, make sure to express that as well.
If you’re using an online dating service like Match.com or PerfectMatch, make sure to avoid misrepresenting yourself on your online dating profile. Be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship. Relationship experts recommend knowing what you want, including your values, passions, religion, and money preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common first date mistakes?
Some common first date mistakes include talking too much about yourself, being late, not being present and engaged, being rude to the waitstaff, and oversharing personal information. In order to avoid those things, remember you are with another human being that took time out of their day to get to know you. Treat them with respect, ask them about themselves, and just be a decent person.
How can you prepare for a first date?
To prepare for a first date, you can do research on the person you are meeting, choose an appropriate outfit, plan the logistics of the date, and practice good hygiene. You can also think of some conversation topics beforehand to avoid awkward silences.
What are some good first date topics?
Some good first date topics include hobbies, travel, favorite books or movies, food, and current events. It’s important to keep the conversation light and positive, and to avoid controversial or sensitive topics.
Is it appropriate to kiss on a first date?
Whether or not it’s appropriate to kiss on a first date depends on the individuals involved and their comfort levels. It’s important to read your date’s body language and verbal cues to determine if they are interested in a kiss. If in doubt, it’s always better to ask for consent before making a move.
What are some red flags to watch out for on a first date?
Some red flags to watch out for on a first date include disrespectful behavior, excessive drinking or drug use, controlling or possessive behavior, and talking negatively about ex-partners or other people.
Is it okay to hug on a first date?
Hug on a first date depends on the individuals involved and their comfort levels. If you feel comfortable and your date seems open to physical contact, a hug can be a nice way to end the date. However, it’s important to respect your date’s boundaries and not push for physical contact if they are not comfortable with it.
Take Away
So there you have it, some first date dos and don’ts. Stay engaged with your partner, have good manners, arrive on time looking your best, and be respectful to the person you are meeting. Keep in mind that it’s important to be yourself because your date is there to get to know you so don’t try to be someone your not. Most importantly, have fun!
Your pen pal,
L