So, you’ve finally managed to bag yourself an exciting first date with that person you really like. The likelihood is, you’re now starting to feel nervous worrying about how you’re going to impress that single during your date.
Well, worry not, as with our top 7 effective first date tips, you’ll be sure to be arranging for your second date as that single will be more than impressed with you.
1: Arrive on Time – Or Early!
No matter what type of date you’ve arranged, it’s extremely important that you arrive on time. In fact, it would be better for you to arrive 10-15 minutes before you’ve arranged to meet. That’s because, if you leave your date waiting for a long period of time, it’s likely that they’re going to be annoyed. Which means your date is going to be off to a bad start.
2: Think Carefully About Where You Want the Date to Be
The venue or activity that you choose for a first date is extremely important when you’re trying to impress someone. For instance, unless it’s your date’s favourite place in the world, a quick trip to McDonalds or KFC is likely going to be a major let down. Instead, if you are thinking a dinner date, try to choose somewhere interesting with good reviews. This doesn’t need to be the most expensive restaurant around, but it would be nice if you tried to pick somewhere that serves the type of food that your date like.
If you’re planning on an activity date instead, such as a day out to a theme park or something like bowling, this could be a winner for impressing. Just make sure it’s something that your date likes to do and let them know beforehand, that way they can dress for the occasion.
3: Plan Your Outfit Carefully
There’s no denying it, we all make snap decisions about our dates based on what they are wearing. Which is why it’s so important that you take the time to plan an outfit to impress your date. This isn’t as easy as you might think, though, as there is often a very fine balance between what could be perceived as over dressed or undressed.
So, how do you know what to wear? Well, firstly, consider what you’re doing for your date. If you have chosen that fancier restaurant, you will want to aim for smart casual, with something like a nice pair of jeans with a smart shirt or perhaps a nice dress. Whereas, if you are meeting for coffee or you’re doing a more physical activity, you’ll want something more casual to wear.
Just remember, if you are going casual, make it nice. The last thing you want to do is turn up in stained jeans or a ripped t-shirt, as this will unlikely impress your date.
4: Be Confident
When you’re sat waiting for your date, it’s unlikely that you’re going to feel confident. Far more likely, you’ll be sat feeling nervous and wondering how the night is going to go. However, if you want to impress your date from the moment they see you, it’s important that you stand/sit up straight, smile and look relaxed.
Don’t worry if you’re not feeling overly confident, though. This is one of these times where you can just fake it until you make it.
5: Remember Your Manners
Always remember that your date will be looking at you to see how good your manners are, which will include how you treat those around you. For dinner dates, this means keeping your elbows off the table, chewing with your mouth closed and, of course, being polite to your servers. The same goes for any activity that you’re planning for your date – always make sure your manners are in check.
Most important of all, make sure that you’re not always looking at your phone, as this is one of the main reasons a date wouldn’t be impressed with you.
6: Always Listen to What Your Date is Saying
We all know that a first date is about getting to know each other, which means you’re going to be asking each other a lot of questions during that date. This gives you the perfect opportunity to impress your date by showing them that you’re really listening and interested in what you’re saying. So, when they’re telling you a story, listen intently and comment on what they are saying, asking more questions as you go along. Your date will be flattered that you are interested, making them more likely to be interested in you.
7: Make Eye Contact
Making eye contact is a great way to start the foundations of intimacy with a potential girlfriend or boyfriend, as looking into each other’s eyes can feel very personal. So, by making eye contact with your date you will show that you feel a connection with that person – and hopefully they will feel the same.
Just be careful that you’re not intently staring at your date, as this can make others feel uncomfortable.
Overall, remember that first dates should be fun and enjoyable for you both. Yes, you want your date to be impressed with you, but if a date isn’t fun then there’s not likely to be a second. So, relax and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!