So you meet a cool individual and are about to go out with them. Exciting? Totally. Is it a little nerve-racking? Without a doubt. So, how do you deal with the inevitable anxiousness that comes with first-date territory? Being yourself, as cliché as it may sound, is definitely the best first date tip. It will ensure that you not only have a nice time on your first date, but that you will also get a second date.
That being said, there are a few fairly clear dos and don’ts to remember when meeting someone for the first time—just remember that it’s all about creating a good first impression in order to land a second date with someone you really like. Continue reading for first date tips that every female should know.
DO Speak Up
Nobody likes a pushover, so if your date suggests going to a sushi restaurant and you don’t like fish, or going to a cocktail lounge but you don’t drink, speak out. It will only appear odd if you tell them all that after you’ve already been seated and are waiting to order.
The same may be said about being decisive. If your date inquires about what you’d like to eat, drink, or share for dessert, don’t respond with “I don’t care, what do you want?” Wishy-washy can get tiresome quickly.
DON’T Wear Things That You Can’t Walk, Eat, Breathe, or Talk in
You obviously want to look your best, but a first date isn’t the time to break in those new stilettos or wear that dress that’s a bit too tight. Why? Because first dates are stressful enough without having to worry about your clothing. Plus, won’t it be a pain to be unable to walk a few blocks on a pleasant evening because your heels are too high?
DO Be On Time
Yes, we know the “fashionably late” mentality persists, but on a first date, you’ll create a better impression if you arrive on time. Would you like them to be late? Most likely not.
DON’T Drink Too Much
There’s not much to say here without sounding like a preachy parent, but remember: being carried home by someone you hardly know isn’t fun (neither is slurring your words or crying at the dinner table). Sure, a beverage or two might be enjoyable and help you unwind, but know your boundaries.
DON’T Obsess Over Your Appearance
Who wants to squander valuable date time racing to the bathroom every half hour to brush your hair, reapply makeup, or check the mirror? Put as much care into your appearance as you desire before meeting your date, but instead of stressing about how you look, spend your efforts on generating solid conversation.
DO Put Your Phone Away
Ladies, this is the big one: The act of continuously checking your phone every two minutes may be a deal breaker. Nothing is more impolite than trying to converse with someone who is constantly staring at a device. Checking Instagram can wait, and don’t post any status updates, tweets about your date in real time, or take any candid photos while they’re not looking. That’s strange.
DOÂ Ask Questions
Simply asking questions is a guaranteed technique to keep the conversation moving. Keep things semi-general (job, family, hobbies, etc.) until you’re both ready to discuss the major issues, such as politics, religion, and, uh, exes.
DO Offer to Pay
A subtle approach to accomplish this is to simply reach for the check when it arrives. If your date insists, split the bill or at the very least leave a tip. However, if you propose to pay or share, you must be prepared to pay or split.
DON’T Stalk After the Date
If you had a great time and want to send your date a casual text later that night or the next day, do so. Maybe don’t stalk them on Instagram and unintentionally like their photographs—or, worse, their ex’s photos.
DO be Positive
No matter how bad your day at work was, or how bad the service at the restaurant was, or how bad the movie you saw was, try your hardest to stay optimistic when getting to know someone. It’ll take away any doubts he has about whether he’s showing you a good time, and it’ll simply make you more enjoyable to be around.