14 Ultimate First Date Advice & Tips
First Date Advice – Before you head out on your first date, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Whether you’re looking for tips on handling first-date nerves or want to ensure you come across as the best dater possible, we have you covered.
Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, your body language will say a lot about you during a first date. So it’s essential to sit up straight and make eye contact whenever you can.
Be yourself
If you want to go on a first date that will be successful, you need to be yourself. This can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to balance making a good impression while openly representing yourself and being true to your values.
Luckily, several tips can help you do just that!
Be yourself
Getting caught up in the excitement of a new relationship or a potentially life-changing encounter can be easy. We all have our unique interests and quirks.
When you’re on a first date, find common ground and bond over those shared interests. This will give you a better chance at connecting and getting to know each other.
Be polite
One of the most critical dating etiquette rules is to be polite. It’s a surefire way to make an excellent first impression and set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd.
In addition, if you have to cancel a date, do so politely. This can help you save a lot of time and trouble.
This is especially true if you’re Latter-day Saint, as our principles are clear on this topic. Besides, being polite is also crucial in making your date feel comfortable and at ease.
Be open
Openness is a huge first-date tip that can help you stand out. It’s the ability to be vulnerable and not be afraid to share your feelings.
Being open doesn’t happen by accident; it takes work and practice.
Dating coach Clara Artschwager recommends bringing your messy, imperfect self to your dates. That way, you can get to know the person more profoundly, and they’ll better understand who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship.
Another great way to be open is by bringing up topics you’re interested in. Curiosity is a powerful trait that can make your date feel valued and appreciated.
Don’t stalk
Stalking a potential partner can be dangerous and should not be done on a first date. This type of obsessive curiosity bordering on madness can quickly sabotage a relationship.
One of the simplest ways to do this is through social media. By searching someone’s social accounts, you can learn a lot about them, from their favourite sports team to their city of origin.
However, a little bit of snooping is fine, but if you find yourself wasting a lot of time scrolling through their Instagram or Facebook pages, it’s probably best to move on.
Stalkers can be powerful and manipulate their victims to get what they want. They can even threaten you with violence or suicide to gain control. That’s why it’s so important to stay aware of any warning signs of a stalker and cut them loose as soon as possible.
Ask open-ended questions
Using open-ended questions on a first date can help your date feel more comfortable and open up to you. Unlike closed-ended questions, which typically offer one-word answers, open-ended questions require more than a simple answer to generate conversation.
They also encourage critical thinking and teach kids to think about multiple angles of a topic. This is a crucial skill that will come in handy throughout their lives.
If you’re collecting feedback on your product, open-ended questions can be a great way to learn more about customers and get more meaningful information than the standard demographic data. You can use spreadsheets to analyze qualitative trends and create word clouds to highlight specific responses that stand out.
Make an excellent first impression.
Making a good first impression is essential for any new relationship. Whether at work, at a school interview or even on your first date, you need to make sure that your first impression is positive and lasting.
A great way to start is by reflecting on your behaviour and body language. For example, if you have a habit of fiddling with your hair or avoiding eye contact, that could signal that you’re nervous and don’t feel confident in your communication skills.
The best thing to do is to change your behaviour and ensure that you come across as relaxed, friendly and open. You can practice available body language, such as uncrossing your arms and legs, angling your body towards the other person, and walking very slouched. This will help you send out the right non-verbal messages and connect with others subconsciously.
Say “yes”
The first thing you should do when someone asks you out says “yes.” This is a sign that you are confident and ready to go on a date.
It also shows that you are interested in meeting this person and haven’t been distracted by other people or interests.
You can also say “yes” when she asks you to do something exciting like go skiing or mountain biking. This way, you’ll show that you’re up for the challenge and excited about the experience.
Another good way to say “yes” is when she’s inviting you out on a first date. Make sure to have a specific plan that relates to her interests and seems like a no-brainer.
Don’t be afraid to say “no.”
Saying no isn’t easy and can be scary, but it’s a skill that should be learned and practised. It’s necessary, as it allows you to stay focused on your priorities and goals.
It’s also important to know that saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re being rude, selfish or unkind. It could be the very thing that will help you build a more confident relationship with yourself and others.
It’s often hard to say no, especially when it comes from someone you trust or a close friend or relative. However, if you can buy yourself some time, you should be able to give yourself the space and confidence to say no.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a second date.
A second date is a great way to learn more about a person. It’s less nerve-wracking than a first date and offers a chance to dig deeper into their character.
Getting to know someone on a second date means learning their preferences and how they respond to different situations. The best way to do this is by planning a date that reflects their interests and hobbies.
The key is to be straightforward and honest, avoiding vague or ambiguous statements. Make concrete plans, such as a concert or movie, and don’t be afraid to ask for a second date at the end of your first date.
Be grateful
Gratitude is a skill that many people need to improve. It’s the ability to appreciate something and feel relief or happiness.
Having gratitude can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. It’s been shown to improve your health in various ways, including boosting your immune system, decreasing your blood pressure, and making you feel more optimistic.
It can also help you overcome adversity and build strong relationships.
Being grateful can be a great way to make an excellent first impression on a date. Take a moment to consider what you’re thankful for and let your partner know.