First dates can be magic or disastrous. You can’t entirely dictate how your date will feel and react but you can do plenty to make a great first impression. He may not be your prince in shining armor and she could be far from a fairy tale princess, but it’s important to make a lasting impression. Here’s how.
There is No ‘I’ in FUN
It’s the first date. Therefore, no man of poetry or woman of intensity could make up for the time the both of you have yet to spend together. Basically, you want to keep things light on the first date. You want them to think you’re fun and not the type to worry too much, especially when first meeting another person. You may have had a bad day or are unsure about this online dating thing on Hily, but don’t bother your date with such trifles. Focus on making them smile and concentrate less on yourself.
Be Appreciative
You’re spending time with another person who could be doing a lot of other things. That’s not to say they shouldn’t appreciate being with you too, but that’s for them to do. Make sure that you show appreciation for them spending their time with you. Even if things are not going as well as you would like, it’s classy to make the other person feel like their time is valuable.
Don’t Talk About Exes
Don’t talk about exes. It’s not appropriate for the first date since one question could lead to another that is less invited or that could offend them. Also, it’s silly to assume that they would reveal any information that would make them look bad, etc. Just to make the rules of talking about exes clear – don’t do it!
Colors Matter
People react to colors. For example, research shows that the human eye is most sensitive to the color green. However, yellow is the happiest color on the spectrum. If you want to elicit feelings of elation, then yellowish tones could be the way to go. Also, blue is appealing to both men and women.
Have a Plan
You should have the date planned and even have a few alternatives ironed-out just in case. If you’re a person who wants your partner to take the lead, then you could be demure and make general suggestions. Otherwise, don’t assume your date has a plan. Nothing is worse than two strangers trying to compensate for not knowing each other. It’s a recipe for settling and disappointment. A casual conversation, asking the other person about their interests, can easily help plan for the first date.
Make Good Eye Contact
Good eye contact conveys interest and confidence. Also, if you intend on making a romantic connection and letting the other person know you’re interested, it’s a must. Of course, you want to balance good eye contact with looking away. You don’t want to appear as a stalker or clinger type. Some women and men are shy to make eye contact. It’s usually because of a lack of confidence due to weight, hair, etc. If the later is something that concerns you, seek hair transplant solutions and remember that everyone has something they dislike about themselves.
Pay Attention
You don’t want your eyes wandering and you don’t want to be checking your phone. Even if you know it’s not a love connection, the right thing to do is to give the other person your full attention until the date is over. Who knows? They may have a friend who is perfect for you, and how gracious you are about this date will make the difference between whether they introduce you or not.
Be Honest
You don’t have to reveal your life story, but it’s appropriate to be honest about your intentions and whether you’re openly meeting others for dates. A first date is much too early for the other person to feel jealous. However, they may prefer to pursue a person who is not an admitted serial dater. It’s best for both parties to be upfront so no one feels bitter or misled.
Decide Whether There’s a Second Date
Some people feel awkward about being upfront. But, it’s a great policy for singles. That way, no one is too disappointed or feels like they wasted their time. Both parties will know whether or not they desire a second date, yet some personalities are not willing to openly reject others. There’s a time to be considerate of feelings and a time to be forward. Be direct in letting the person know whether you want to see them again.
Mike Nolan is a couples counselor who loves to help people. Always looking for insights and information, he enjoys sharing what he finds on various lifestyle and dating websites.
