One of the most thrilling aspects of starting a new relationship is going on a first date. It’s romantic and gives you butterflies for your new crush. Additionally, it’s your first genuine chance to meet someone fresh in your life.
Nevertheless, it’s also really nerve-racking. It can be really stressful to decide what to dress, fret over what to discuss, or figure out how to end the evening. You’re so exhausted from anxiety by the time your date comes to pick you up that you start to question who came up with the “first date” in the first place and what they were thinking!
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You should be thrilled, not terrified, if you’re going on a first date! Don’t let your anxiety ruin a fantastic evening spent with a stranger. These ten suggestions can help you get a second date.
1. Relax
Feeling anxious butterflies before your first date is quite normal. Rest easy knowing that your date is most likely experiencing the same emotions as you. According to research, practicing yoga, particularly the “power stance,” for a short while before a date will help lower stress and anxiety levels.
2. Close your phone.
There is no justification for texting during a date unless your loved one is in the hospital or you are awaiting a call informing you that you have won a million dollars.
Putting your phone aside for the evening demonstrates respect and lets your date know you have your whole attention.
3. Be mindful of boundaries
It can be rather thrilling when a first date is going well. Nonetheless, you have to honor your partner’s limits.
Don’t force your date to do something they’re not interested in; instead, be kind and considerate of their ideas and opinions.
If your date is obviously not feeling it, it’s usually best to avoid doing five shots in a row “just for fun,” taking things back to your apartment, or attempting to force a kiss or an embrace.
4. Visit an enjoyable location
A nice standard for a first date is dinner and a movie. But it wouldn’t be the same without the supper part.
Why? While the movie offers pleasure (and some respite from talking to each other!), dinner gives the new couples an opportunity to chat and get to know one another. Without the meal, there would only be two people viewing a movie together without any opportunity to engage in conversation or develop a deeper connection.
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When organizing your first date, pick something you both like to do and allow ample time for conversation before beginning an activity.
5. Engage your date
Getting to know one another is the main goal of a first date. Remember that you must interact with your date as much as you are excited to share personal anecdotes and facts.
To ensure that you both have an equal opportunity to learn about one another, take turns asking get-to-know-you questions.
Involve your date.
6. Put on something that gives you a positive feeling.
When it comes to going on a first date, confidence is crucial.
You’ll be anxious enough about how to behave and strike up a conversation. Your appearance is one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about.
Being well-groomed for your date will boost your confidence. Get your hair curled, take a shower, shave, and wear something that makes you feel fantastic.
7. Be authentic
Making a good first impression is something everyone aspires to. However, you must be authentic if you want your date to go well and for this new connection to develop into a relationship.
You don’t have to go out and tell this new person in your life all of your flaws, but you also shouldn’t act like someone you’re not.
For instance, just because your date enjoys rock climbing doesn’t mean you should seem like you’re an avid enthusiast when you’ve never climbed a wall.
Throughout the date, remain your endearing, likeable self.
8. Pay attention to what you order
No, we don’t mean to make you look more ladylike by ordering a salad when you really want a huge, juicy steak.
This means that you should avoid ordering anything that will make you feel uncomfortable or unpleasant. Chicken wings, crab legs, or ribs are a bit too hands-on for a first date and could make you feel a little messy.
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Likewise, if you want a goodnight kiss, eating a meal dripping with garlic won’t help your chances.
9. Take precautions
Be cautious if you are meeting your date for the first time through a friendly setup or online. For instance, stay away from being alone with this individual and pick a public location.
Trust your instincts and let a family member or close friend know exactly where you will be spending the evening. Leave if something is causing you to feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
Always keep a friend on hand who is willing to come and collect you if you need them and who will call you with a get out of jail free card.
It’s best to be safe than sorry, even if you trust your date.
Additionally, it’s wise to always wear protection and be “safe” in that area as well if your first date gets a little heated and intense.
10. Look for areas of agreement
Finding points of agreement with your spouse is the best approach to have a successful first date. Shared activities have been shown to improve relationship satisfaction. Look for something that you both enjoy doing or pick a hobby that you both love.
Sharing interests will not only help you feel more at ease and give you more topics to discuss on the date, but it will also lay the groundwork for a future relationship that is healthy.
You must figure out how to relax if you want to have a fantastic first date. Put on an outfit that gives you confidence. Show your spouse respect by picking a location for your date where you can genuinely converse and get to know one another.
