There’s an old saying about not overthinking your first date—but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a little thought into it.
A few small changes in perspective can make the world of difference when it comes to your confidence and your nerves. Here are some things you should do to prepare for your first date:
1. Look your best
The first date can be nerve wracking and you want to look your best. Make sure your hair is neatly combed, you smell clean and put on cologne or perfume if you have it.
A great way to boost your confidence is by doing a little power posing in the mirror before you go out. It may seem silly but it will help you feel more confident.
Your body language is also very important, so try to keep it positive. Leaning forward, making eye contact and smiling are great non-verbal signals that you’re engaged in the conversation. Crossing your arms or looking around the room, however, will send the message that you’re nervous or bored.
If you’re worried about what to talk about on the first date, don’t be afraid to ask her questions about herself. Just be careful not to sound too personal, as it can come off as nosy or creepy. For example, it’s okay to ask about her favorite hobbies but it’s not good to ask about her family or her pet peeves.
2. Think of a few questions
A first date can be stressful, and you don’t want to feel like you have nothing to say or worry that your date doesn’t find you interesting. One of the best ways to make sure that you have conversation topics to fall back on is to think of a few questions for your date ahead of time.
These can be anything from “How was your day?” to more personal questions like what their favorite hobbies are or what their biggest pet peeve is. This way, you’ll have a few questions that can help to keep the conversation flowing and help you learn more about them.
Another great question is to ask your date how they spend their free time. This can be an insightful way to see if you are similar or not. For example, if they love to party but you are more of a homebody, this could be an indicator that you aren’t on the same wavelength.
3. Be yourself
It can be tempting to try and impress your date, but being yourself is a better choice. It shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin and that you’ll be a fun companion.
Being yourself doesn’t mean being rude or mean, it just means being honest and showing genuine interest in them as a person. It also means not being afraid to let your quirks shine through. Whether you’re a fan of old movies, are obsessed with your pet cat or just have a strange sense of humor, it’s okay to be unique and be yourself!
If you’re nervous, take big, conscious breaths. This simple technique helps calm your nerves and forces your mind to focus on something else besides the stress of the date. It can also be helpful to visualize the best possible outcome of your date. This will help you stay centered and confident throughout the night. And don’t forget to give yourself an empowering pep talk before the big day!
4. Be prepared
Having a good first date is much easier with a little bit of preparation. Make sure you look your best and show up on time, and you’ll be well on your way to a great date!
It’s a good idea to have some backup conversation topics, like common interests, hobbies, work, family, and pet peeves, just in case there’s an awkward silence. But don’t plan out an entire date in your head, because you never know how the date will go.
It’s also a good idea to remember a few old-fashioned gentlemanly tips, such as holding doors or pulling out chairs. And don’t forget to smile! A smile says a lot about your confidence, which will make you more comfortable during the date. And a friendly smile can help you get through even the most awkward moments on a date!