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Going on first dates can be one of the most nerve-racking experiences ever. You want to make a good impression and be able to appear attractive, intelligent, funny, fun and all at the same time. And with all that pressure sometimes it can just feel overwhelming because you don't know where to start. It can make the most confident and relaxed person become jittery and uncomfortable.
To help those of you who may not have been so lucky when it comes to first dates, below are 10 vital things you must take on board if you want to not only survive the first dates but also to enjoy them.
1. Have a nice shower beforehand. You want to feel as fresh as possible so make sure you have a shower before your date. The last thing you want is to smell funky in the middle of your date. Smelling off will make you feel awkward and self-conscious so make sure you leave plenty of time to have that nice shower or a hot bath. Doing this will even help to calm your nerves.
2. Wear something you'll feel comfortable in. Invest in an outfit that looks good but at the same time allows you to be yourself. Don't end up wearing something you absolutely don't feel comfortable in for the sake of impressing your date. The most attractive thing about you will be your confidence and if you feel unable to move around right or sit down properly with that super tight dress on – then it might be better to opt for a different outfit.
3. Be on time. You want to be on time not only to make a good impression and to show your date some respect but this will also help to calm your nerves. When you run late to your first date with someone, you are going to arrive flustered and even more self-conscious. Make sure you figure out beforehand how long it will take you to get to the location of the date and give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
4. Order a meal that isn't too hard to eat. It's hard enough to appear calm and fun during the conversations with your date but then when you have to bite off that big burrito or burger you can end up with food all over your mouth and looking not so fabulous. Hold off on ordering meals that can be difficult to chew or bite. This way you can eat, enjoy your meal and not have to worry about how you are going to eat. You will have one less thing to worry about.
5. Get to know the person – ask questions. First dates are a chance for you to get to know the person better and for you to figure out if he can be someone you really like or not. Ask questions about what they do for a living, what their hobbies and interests are or what sort of places they like to hang out in. The more you get to know the other person the more you will feel relaxed. Besides, most people love talking about themselves so go on with your questions – the more you listen the better.
6. Don't mention anything about past relationships. Sometimes it can be tempting to want to tell stories about past boyfriends; how much of a jerk your ex was or how much you have 'evolved' since your last relationship. But when it comes to talks of the past – the wisest thing to do is to keep that to yourself until much, much later on. Men in particular tend to not care or want to know much about their partner's past anyway, so talking about it isn't going to do anything good for your date.
7. Stay clear-headed. First dates are definitely not the time and place to totally 'loosen up'. Getting drunk may sound fun in your imagination but when it comes down to it – you will most likely end up with regrets. Sure, having a glass of wine is not going to hurt but anymore than that you might actually want to kick yourself in the head once the date is over. The last thing you want to have is total lack of control over yourself with someone who hardly knows you yet.
8. Bring some mints. Do not underestimate what a bad breath can do to how you appear to the opposite sex. When you are talking with someone and their breath doesn't smell so fresh – you too would not find it at all attractive. The last thing you want is to look good, have your body smelling good but then to have bad breath the minute you start talking. So, bring with yourself some mints and don't forget to have some after you finish your meal.
9. Be yourself. You really want to be yourself during your first date and by being yourself it means to still have your personality shine through. Being yourself means to not hide away your morals and values or your interests. Doing this will give your date a chance to know the real you and not some made up version of you. If your date happens to still like you after it – then you will know that he likes you for you.
10. Don't forget to actually enjoy the date. Remember that first dates are not all about you! So, don't feel like you have to perform in order to get a 'good grade' by your date. First dates are only for the both of you to start getting to know each other – that's it! It would be a big shame for you to not try to have fun and enjoy it properly. The more you look at it as a casual thing the more you will actually have a great time.
