First dates are weird. You look forward to the first date, but you’re nervous and maybe a little scared too. You never know exactly how it’s going to go. It’s true that there are plenty of things that are out of your control, but you have more control than you think.
If you really want to impress your date, you can’t sit back and wait to see how things go the day of. Make a reservation at a restaurant you think she will like, then go above and beyond to impress her with the tips on this list.
Pull up in the Right Car
Having a vehicle at all is something to be proud of, but picking your date up in a beat-up Ford Contour won’t leave her with positive feelings. Rethink the car you drive on the first date.
Can’t afford the cost to insure a corvette? You don’t have to buy the car! Consider renting a nice car to drive for the evening, or ask a friend or family member if you can borrow their higher-end car.
Don’t have the money to rent a car, and don’t know anyone with a nicer car than you? At least take the time to thoroughly clean the outside and inside of your car before you pick up your date. Just because a car is old doesn’t mean it can’t look good with a little TLC!
Dress to Impress
You probably already know you should dress nicely for a first date, but exactly what should you wear? Unfortunately, there isn’t one single answer. Instead, you should think about where you’re going.
A dress jacket, pants, and shoes are a great idea if you’re making a reservation at a five-star restaurant, but dressing like that when meeting up for coffee will definitely be overkill. It’s really just about dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
It’s often the little things that matter most. Smelling fresh and clean is just as important as dressing well. Wear matching socks, put on your best watch, and wear a little cologne.
Put Your Phone on Silent
Our phones are a huge part of our lives. Chances are, your date wouldn’t be possible without your phone. However, that doesn’t mean it should be a part of your date.
You should never use your phone on a date. That means putting your phone on silent so you aren’t tempted to take any calls or answer any text messages, but it means keeping it in your pocket all night long.
Don’t whip your phone out and browse Facebook, even if your date is in the bathroom. Don’t be tempted to look up pop culture questions that may come up during the date, and plan transportation ahead of time to avoid using your phone to call an Uber. Your date will notice and in a good way.
Come Prepared with Questions to Ask
All dates, but especially first dates, can be very nerve-racking. It’s normal to feel nervous, and it’s normal to sit in silence for more time than you’re comfortable with. Make it easier on yourself and your date by coming prepared.
Browse some questions to ask your date online before you pick her up, and make a list of questions you would like to ask. Just a few ideas include:
- What do you like to do for fun?
- What kind of food do you absolutely hate?
- Tell me about your favorite vacation.
- If you could do anything for a living, what would it be?
Leave Some Space After the Date Is Over
Second dates are more important than the first. The first-date jitters are all gone, and going on a second date likely means you both enjoyed spending time together. That doesn’t mean you should rush planning the second date.
Leave some space after the date is over. That means not texting the next morning to ask if they would like to go out again. Give you both some time and space to think it over.
That doesn’t mean you can’t make your intentions known the night of your date. For example, you can say you had a great time and ask if it would be okay to text next week. That gives you both some space with something to look forward to.
First dates can be good, and first dates can be bad. Increase your chances of experiencing a great first date by doing a few things to make it an experience you both will never forget.
