8 Effective Tips for a Successful First Date

A first date comes with pressure, especially if you really like the other person. We want your next date to be a success, so we rounded up these trusted tips to ensure everything goes smooth:

Calm Your Pre-date Nerves

Being nervous before a date is normal, but being a nervous wreck during the date sends all the wrong signals. Listen to music, exercise, take a bath, play video games, meditate, repeat self-affirmations, or do anything else you know will help ease your nerves.

We don’t recommend drinking or doing drugs to relax, as showing up drunk or high for a date is a huge red flag that could scare off your date.

Choose the Right First Date Location

If you don’t know your date very well or you are hiring an escort agency, play it safe by going to a public and familiar place. A public setting will make both of you less nervous about safety.

Your date should be in a spot that’s conducive to romance. Fancy restaurants are suggested because they provide an intimate setting for conversation, and you can take your time getting to know one another.

Are you worried about paying for an expensive meal without enjoying your date? Try a private bar or a nice coffee shop instead. If the date isn’t going well, you can go your separate ways after a drink.

If you are not much of a conversationalist, pick a location that will be fun with minimal talking. Going dancing is recommended because you get to touch and express yourself physically. A game arena, such as a mini-golf or bowling spot, is also a great idea.

If you want to impress your date, take them to a place you know they love. You can get hints about where they like by checking their social media or by asking subtle questions. Don’t be disappointed if your date is happy to stay home, eat takeout, and watch Netflix. Play your cards right, and an at-home date could be the prologue for a happy ending.

Prepare for Engaging Conversation

Even if making conversation is not your strong suit, you can’t afford to be quiet or give only yes or no answers throughout a first date. Avoid awkward silences by researching your date so you can ask questions that will keep the conversation flowing.

Read past texts, or check your date’s online profile or recent social media posts to find conversation topics they will find interesting.

While asking questions is important, do not neglect to start a discussion of your own. If your conversation is intelligent, funny, cultured, and intriguing, you will make a good impression. Cheesy pickup lines, self-adulation, and empty compliments can have the opposite effect, so try to avoid those.

Listen

Making interesting conversation during a date is just as important as listening. Pay attention and respond appropriately, and do not exaggerate your responses, or you will come across as fake. For example, don’t over-laugh or be over-sympathetic unless you mean it.

Other ways to be a good listener include not interrupting your date and providing helpful suggestions to the issues they raise. You can also bond by responding to your date’s story with a similar story about you. Tip: Allow your date to completely finish a story before jumping in with your own.

Maintain Proper Body Language

While listening to your date, watch their body language. Posture, hand gestures, and body movement can reveal a lot about whether your date is having a good time, or if they can’t wait to leave. If you notice your date is getting restless, ask if they are okay, recommend taking a walk, or try going somewhere new.

Your body language is just as important during the first date. Don’t fold your arms, check your watch frequently, look distant, or yawn. These all imply that you are not interested in your date, and they will likely respond with similar mannerisms.

An effective technique for letting your date know they have your undivided attention is mirroring their body posture. If they shift or smile, do the same. According to a study by the Netherlands Behavioral Science Institute, if your date mirrors your movements, it means they like you.

Dress to Impress

Look good for your date, but don’t repeatedly check yourself out. That could make you seem vain.

You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on a new outfit to be attractive. Just remember to prioritize looking well-kept and smelling nice.

Aside from looking dapper, dress appropriately for the date location and weather: Don’t wear flip-flops to a fancy restaurant or shorts to the ice rink.

Lastly, dress comfortably. If you feel great in your outfit, you will appear confident throughout your date. Make sure to wear shoes comfortable for walking in case a late-night stroll is added to the evening plans.

Be On-Time

Being late for a first date sends all the wrong signals. While it is not a deal-breaker, especially if you have a good reason for being late, avoid it at all costs. If you cannot avoid being late, tell your date beforehand to ensure they do not feel like they are being stood up.

If you show up late for a date, don’t look flustered, upset, or guilty. Instead, smile, apologize affectedly, and show your date an excellent time to make up for your tardiness.

Have Realistic Expectations

Going for a date with realistic expectations minimizes the risk of heartbreak. Focus on having a fun time with your date and enjoy the experience as much as you can. If everyone is happy by the end of the date, everything else that could happen will happen.

Conclusion

Several factors contribute to a successful first date, but you can increase the chances of yours going well by being civil, engaging, upbeat, and considerate.

Always be yourself. If you pretend to be someone you are not, you may end up starting a relationship with the wrong person.