First dates can be exciting, yet also nerve-racking. You’re putting yourself out there, and that can be scary. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t always work out in our favor. The guy we were swooning over doesn’t text us back. Or maybe that cutie from Tinder wasn’t all she was cracked up to be. Whatever the case is, some things are out of our control.
The good news is, one thing is in our control — how we behave. So here is a little friendly reminder of things that you should always do on a first date — which will hopefully lead to a second.
Dress To Impress ... Yourself
Dressing for a first date usually ends up with you trying on countless outfits and all of your clothes on the floor. The problem is that you’re trying to dress for your date, instead of dressing for yourself. Be sure to wear what makes you feel most confident. Confidence is key. If it’s the little black dress that’s “two seasons ago," who cares? Wear it, girl. Your date isn’t going to notice if you’ve worn that outfit a thousand times before, or when it was in style. All your date is going to notice is your glowing confidence, as long as you’re feeling it.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Be honest on a first date, not only for yourself, but also for your date. If you are having the best date of your life, then say it. Who cares about “playing it cool.” That is so outdated. Honesty is in, and so is not playing any games. On the other hand, if you aren’t into your date, you don’t need to crush his or her dreams by being saying, “I don’t like you.” But, you definitely do not need to say, “I had a great time. Let’s do this again sometime.” A simple “Thank you” will suffice. And if your date asks you out again, you can be polite and truthful.
Manners
Everyone loves manners, and so does your date. Sometimes we get caught up in life and we forget the little things — like, “Please” and “Thank you.” I know they seem small, but the devil is in the details. People notice when someone has manners and when they don’t. If you want to stay in your date’s mind, mind your manners.
Be You
I cannot stress this enough. Be you. This is your one opportunity to show the other person who you are. You are unique and special and your date wants to see that. So instead of saying what you think your date would like to hear, say what you truly feel instead. If you’re weird, be weird. If you’re serious, be serious. Don’t play a part that you’re not — nobody likes a bad actor.
Location Location Location
When it comes to where the date will be, be sure to choose whatever makes you feel most comfortable. That means if you’re about to meet someone from Tinder or OkCupid and are unsure about this person, pick a place where you feel safe. If you don’t want him or her to pick you up — then don’t. You’re not hurting anyone’s feelings by speaking up and being honest about where you want to have this first date and what you want to do. Put yourself first. You don’t owe anyone anything.
Eat
It can be intimidating to get down with a big meal in front of a person for the first time. I get it. But ordering a salad because you don’t want to make a fool of yourself is just plain silly. Unless you actually love salads, in which case, you should order that caesar salad. Chow down on something you are going to enjoy. There is nothing more sexy than a girl who can eat. Furthermore, when the waiter asks if you two saved room for dessert and your date’s giving you “yes” eyes, indulge! Saying no to sharing a good slice of cheesecake is like saying no to heaven. You don’t want to do that, do you?
Goodbye Phone
Sometimes on a good date (even more-so if it’s a bad one), your mind starts to wander. “Has my boss emailed me about those papers?” “What’s happening on Instagram right now?” “I should text Katy back about Friday night.” But no matter what you do or think, keep that phone in that purse. It’s awfully rude to pull out your phone on a date and look through it — unless, of course, you’re showing those cute photos of your dog! And don’t even think about putting your phone out on the table. Your date will appreciate that you’re in the moment.
