When that woman or man that you have met at one of our events finally accepts your invitation to go on a date, the pressure is usually so high, especially for those dating for the very first time or in a long while. The impression you make on the first date will usually determine whether that date will be the last one or the first of many.
If you haven’t gone on dates in a while or if this is your first time going on a date, don’t worry because we are going to share with you some tested ways you can pull off a great first impression and make that woman or man crave you for many more dates to come.
Here are 7 tips to make a great first impression.
One of the common mistakes that people make is looking at the first date as a do-or-die kind of situation. Having this kind of mindset will make you even more nervous, which can potentially bring your confidence down when you finally meet that person. You need to know that the person you are about to meet is also anxious because they don’t know what to expect.
So, don’t look at the first date as a do-or-die scenario because it is not. It is normal to feel nervous when going for the first date with a person you have always liked.
However, you don’t have to overthink about it because that will make you even more nervous and, in the end, affect the way you communicate and behave when you finally meet your date. Look at your first date like a regular meet-up with a new person you would like to know more about. Think of a few ice-breaking questions that you will use when you finally meet with your date.
Several studies have found out that dressing well can boost your confidence levels. While going for the first date, look for that dress, shirt, trouser, or shoe that makes you feel confident about yourself because you will need this confidence to make a good impression. There is no standard dress code for a first date, so don’t overthink it.
Some people might feel confident when they put on a suit. If you are that kind of man, just put on that suit. On the other hand, some feel more confident when they put on jeans, t-shirts, and a pair of sneakers. The idea is to be as comfortable as possible with what you are putting on.
One of the mistakes you should always avoid on your first date is being late. Making someone wait for minutes or even hours will earn you a negative score before you even say meet the person. It is always best to arrive first and then wait for the other person. Being at the date venue before your date will give you time to settle down and even think of interesting conversion ideas to start with when your date finally arrives.
So, plan your time while factoring in all the possible situations, including traffic jam, bad weather, and any other thing that can potentially cause a delay. If something holds you up along the way, communicate with your date through a text or call to let them know that you may not make it time.
If you decide to go for a meal on your first date then do try and adhere to basic table manners. Some of these include the following; don’t chew with your mouth open, don’t, talk with food in your mouth, don’t put a lot of food in the mouth, don't tell your date what they should or shouldn't eat.
Having conversions about your favorite TV shows, your siblings, or the weather will at some point get boring, especially if you are on an extended date. You need to think of some deeper topics that will help you to know your date even more. Try asking them questions like their best year in life, their favorite places, and any otherquestions t hat will trigger your date to express themselves a little more.
The goal is to get to know the person more, so don’t be afraid of starting up conversations that will help you achieve that. However, you need to do this in a way that doesn’t make them feel like they are in an interview. It is also important to give them a chance to ask you questions as well.
Whenever your date is speaking, always pay full intention and take your time to digest what they are talking about before you respond. People love to be listened to, so pay full attention and listen to what they have to say before you respond. Your body language should also show that you are really listening and not just hearing.
So, gestures like nodding your head and maintaining eye contact are some of the ways you can express active listening.
Unless you want to take a selfie or show your date something that is on your phone, it is best to stay away from it. Checking your phone or picking up frequent calls while on a date is a turn-off to most people. We recommend silencing the notifications and calls coming to your phone by putting it in “Do Not Disturb Mode.” The goal is to give full attention to the person you are with at that moment.