17 Helpful First Date Tips (Get a Second Date!)
Dating is hard, and especially the first date can be daunting. Are you ready to meet your dinner companion? Or perhaps you found some other date ideas for your first date. Take a deep breath and get ready to make a genuine connection with our best first date tips.
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First Date Ideas – What to do on a first date with a girl?
You might wonder: how do I act when taking a girl on a first date? What are some first date tips I can implement? It seems daunting, and doing something wrong might seem easy. However, we collected some of the best tips for you to blow her away!
Want to impress her? Read our post on what to do on a first date tips with a girl to absolutely wow her.
First date Ideas – What to do on a first date with a guy?
Need some help on how to navigate the ‘what to do’ of the dating game? There are endless possibilities, but make sure you can have a meaningful conversation with each other. With sports, for example, you’ll be working out the entire time, leaving less room for conversation.
“Doing something active or creative can help ease any nervousness and create a more relaxed environment.” – Damona Hoffman
Need to make a great impression? Discover our top first date tips to make him fall in love.
Know Why You Are Dating
When it comes to first dates, it’s important to know why you are dating in the first place.
Are you looking for a potential relationship or just some fun at dinner? Are you hoping to make meaningful connections or pass the time? Knowing what you want from the dating process can help you be more intentional about the people you choose to date.
Whether you’re using online dating platforms or meeting people through a mutual friend, it’s important to be clear about your intentions and ensure that you are on the same page with your date. If you’re looking for a committed relationship, focus on finding nice people who share your values and are looking for the same thing.
Remember that building a successful relationship is a process, and taking the time to get to know someone before committing to anything is essential. By being intentional about your dating goals, you can increase your chances of finding a potential partner looking for a meaningful relationship.
What Should I Wear?
Perhaps one of the first things that comes to mind is: What should I wear to my first date? We collected some of the best outfit ideas for your date. To avoid a massive turn-off, we suggest males wear a simple t-shirt or button-up with jeans or chinos, a belt, stylish shoes, and a fine watch. Women should dress down in a little black dress or a casual top and pants, accessorize with feminine accessories, and apply natural makeup.
For the absolute perfect outfit, here are some outfit ideas:
Extra tips for dressing well on a first date:
- Dress appropriately for the venue: Wear something dressy if you’re going to a fancy restaurant. If you’re going for a walk in the park, dress casually.
- Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your body type.
- Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself.
- Avoid wearing something too revealing or provocative unless you’re sure your date will be comfortable.
Do Your Research
Find out as much as possible about your date before meeting them. This will help you avoid awkward silences and give you some ideas for conversation topics. Here are some things to look up:
- Their interests and hobbies
- Their job or career
- Their favorite movies, books, or TV shows
- Their favorite restaurants or places to go out
Make a Great First Impression
Making a great first impression on a first date is essential to increase your chances of success.
According to research, first impressions are formed within the first few seconds of meeting someone and can significantly impact how the rest of the date goes.
To make a positive impression, being confident and authentic is important. Start with a warm and friendly greeting, make eye contact, and offer a sincere compliment. Dress appropriately for the occasion and make sure you arrive on time. Show genuine interest in your date by actively listening and asking thoughtful questions. Avoid negative comments or complaining, and keep the conversation light and cheerful.
Remember that body language plays a crucial role in first impressions, so be mindful of your posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice. By being your best self and putting your best foot forward, you can make a great first impression and set the stage for a successful date.
Read on to find more first date tips for maintaining positive body language.
Focus on Conversation Skills.
When conversing with your date, your body language will be an important factor. Try not to cross arms, and sit up straight while your talking. Positive body language makes you look more confident and engaged in the conversation.
Related: Tips for Communicating in Relationships: Build a Stronger Bond
Preparing some conversation topics and starters is handy to keep the conversation going. You can’t keep talking about your dog for two hours, so to say.
Here are a few conversation topics:
- Travel experiences and destinations
- Current events and news
- Favorite books, movies, or TV shows
- Food and restaurants
- Hobbies and interests
Here are a few conversation starters:
- What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done recently?
- Have you been on any exciting trips or vacations lately?
- What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?
- Do you have any pets? If so, tell me about them!
- What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Positive Body Language
According to Dr. Vanessa Van Edwards, good body language is all about conveying confidence, trustworthiness, and warmth.
Mirroring, fronting, and leaning are three nonverbal communication techniques that people use to establish rapport, build trust, and convey interest during social interactions.
Mirroring
Mirroring involves copying the body language, gestures, and expressions of the person you interact with. For example, if your date leans forward, you might mirror their body language by leaning forward. Mirroring can help create a sense of mutual understanding and agreement between two people, and can help build a stronger connection. Mirroring is a subconscious behavior, and people who are comfortable with each other tend to mirror each other’s movements naturally.
Fronting
Fronting is a technique where a person positions their body to face the person they are speaking to directly. For example, if you are sitting across from your date at a table, you might front by turning your body towards them and leaning in slightly. This nonverbal cue can indicate interest, attention, and engagement, and can help establish a stronger connection with the other person. Fronting is also used to convey openness, honesty, and sincerity, and can help build trust and rapport.
Leaning
Leaning is a nonverbal cue where a person tilts their body towards the person they are interacting with. This can be done by leaning forward, tilting the head, or bending the torso slightly. Leaning can indicate interest, engagement, and intimacy, and can help establish a stronger connection between two people. Leaning is often used in romantic or flirtatious interactions, but can also be used in professional settings to convey interest and engagement. However, it’s important to be mindful of personal boundaries and to avoid leaning in too closely or invading someone’s personal space.
Watch Your Verbal Language
One of the critical first date tips is engaging in a thoughtful and engaging conversation with your date. However, it’s important to be mindful of the language you use and the topics you discuss.
Avoid controversial or offensive topics that could lead to awkward or uncomfortable moments. Instead, focus on finding common ground and discussing your interests and hobbies. A well-designed date can help facilitate an effortless conversation. Moreover, don’t forget the art of the compliment – a nice compliment can make your date feel comfortable and appreciated.
On the other hand, be aware of any language or phrases perceived as disrespectful or offensive. Avoid using profanity or making derogatory remarks about anyone.
Remember that annoying dates can often result from poor communication, so make an effort to be thoughtful and considerate in your conversations.
By being mindful of your language and focusing on engaging in conversation, you can increase the chances of a successful and enjoyable first date.
Switching The Topic of Conversation
What if she asks me about previous dating experiences?
While it’s important to have open and honest communication on a first date, it’s also important to avoid controversial topics that could lead to arguments or disagreements. Politics, religion, and ex-partners are best left for later conversations when you’ve established a stronger connection.
Impress Your Date!
Here are a few first date tips for impressing your date:
– Give her a nice compliment, like a personal compliment about her outfit or eyes.
– Ask what’s on her bucket list
– Create a customized gift or scavenger hunt
– Plan a surprise activity
– Buy your date a nice gift
Checking for Compatibility
An engaging conversation is already a great start to checking for compatibility. However, keep in mind that the art of conversation is not enough for a relationship on it’s own.
If this date really allows for a potential relationship, you should ask her about her life goals, or ambitions, funny habits to try getting to know what type of person he or she is, and connecting with her on a deeper level.
Don’t Overcomplicate Things
It’s important to keep things simple. It’s only the first date, and getting to know each other takes time. Focus on getting to know what your date likes, rather than thinking about whether they would make a great partner.
Take a Deep Breath and Relax!
First dates can be nerve-wracking, but approaching the date with a calm and positive attitude will make you come across as more confident and at ease. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or the date since it’s just an opportunity to get to know someone new. One way to ease into the date is by suggesting a shared activity, such as going for a walk or trying a new restaurant. Doing this gives you something to talk about and feel less self-conscious.
Listen Actively
One of the best first date tips is actively listening to your date. When you’re on a first date, listening to the other person actively is essential. This means paying close attention to what they’re saying and asking follow-up questions to show interest in what they’re sharing. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk, engage with your date, and get to know them. Giving nonverbal cues like nodding and eye contact shows you’re fully present and attentive, making a great first impression.
Stay True to Yourself
One of the most important first date tips is to be yourself. It can be tempting to try to be someone you’re not in order to impress your date, but this will only backfire in the long run. Remember that your date is interested in getting to know the real you, not a fake version of yourself. So, be honest and authentic, and you’ll be more likely to make a genuine connection.
“Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and just have fun!” – Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship expert and author.
Here are our first date tips on how to be yourself on a first date:
- Remember it’s just a date
- Just be Yourself
Related: Unlock Your True Self: The Benefits of Self-Discovery
Watch Out for Red Flags
Regarding first date tips, keeping your eyes open for any red flags indicating potential problems is essential. While it’s natural to want to focus on the positive aspects of your date, being aware of warning signs can help you avoid getting too invested in someone who may not be a good fit for a long-term relationship.
Read more: Online Dating: 10 Guys to Avoid
One thing to watch is how your date talks about their previous dating experiences. If they seem bitter or overly critical of their exes, this could be a sign that they struggle to maintain successful relationships.
Similarly, this could be a huge turn-off if they spend the entire time talking about themselves and don’t show interest in your life or opinions. Pay attention to their behavior during the date as well – if they are rude to the waiter or insist on going to an expensive restaurant despite your objections, this could be a sign that they are not considerate of others.
Ultimately, finding a real-life connection with friendly people is the goal of the dating scene, but keeping an eye out for potential red flags can help you ensure that you’re on the right track toward a successful relationship.
If you find some red flags, our first date tips become irrelevant. Get out, and never look back! Watch out for these red flags on your first date:
Disrespectful behavior towards others
If your date is rude or dismissive towards waitstaff or other people around you, it’s a clear sign that they lack empathy and consideration for others.
Overly negative or critical comments
If your date spends a lot of time complaining or commenting negatively, it could be a sign that they have a negative outlook on life or struggle to find positivity.
Poor communication skills
If your date talks over you or doesn’t seem interested in what you say, it could be a sign that they lack basic communication skills and may be unable to communicate effectively in a relationship.
Extreme self-centeredness
If your date only talks about themselves and doesn’t seem interested in learning about you, it could be a sign that they are too self-absorbed to make a good partner.
Inappropriate behavior
Suppose your date engages in behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, such as inappropriate comments or advances. In that case, it’s essential to trust your instincts and end the date as soon as possible.
Ask For That Second Date!
If you don’t shoot, you’re guaranteed to miss!
After your first date, it’s essential to follow up with your date to let them know you had a good time and to express your interest in seeing them again. Be specific about what you enjoyed about the date and suggest a specific activity for your next outing.
Conclusion
The dating process is complicated, and a well-designed date is hard. However, for a well-designed date, you can make sure you are wearing a representable outfit. Moreover, practice good body language, find common interests, and actively listen to your date.
By now, you will know what first date ideas you should implement. We wish you much luck on your first date, and we’re sure you will nail it!
If you already nailed it? You might think you and this person have a soul tie. Read all about soul ties here!
FAQ
Is it acceptable to kiss on the first date?
It depends on the individuals involved and their comfort levels. Some people might be comfortable with it, while others may not be ready. Communication and respect are critical in navigating physical intimacy on a first date.
How do you flirt on a first date?
Flirting involves light teasing, compliments, and showing interest in the other person’s hobbies or experiences. It’s important to be genuine and respectful, read the other person’s signals, and ensure they are receptive.
What are the red flags on a first date?
Red flags include inappropriate behavior, disrespect, lack of attentiveness, and dishonesty. Trusting your instincts and communicating any concerns you may have is vital.
How do you make a first date more interesting?
You can make a first date more interesting by planning activities for conversation and connection, such as visiting a museum or trying a new restaurant. Being engaged and present at the moment and showing genuine interest in the other person will also make a date more exciting.
Who should pay for the first date?
Traditionally, the person who asked for the date should pay. However, splitting the bill or taking turns paying for dates is also okay.
What should I do if the date goes poorly?
If the date goes poorly, be polite and respectful. You don’t have to see the person again if you don’t want to, but ending the date on a positive note is essential.
