Your first date does not need to be stressful. Take some time to plan a relaxing date where the conversation flows. This is a time for your date to see your shining personality, so keep anxiety and nervousness at bay. Remember, you don’t have to walk down the aisle with this person. Just have fun and enjoy some common interests together. Who knows, you could make a lasting friendship.
Before your date, spend some time talking on the phone or online to get familiar with each other’s personalities. Keep the conversation light and positive. Having previous conversations before the date relieves some of the pressure to find topics to discuss. Use good communication and listen carefully when the other person is speaking. Ask questions to show your interest. Body language says a lot during a conversation. Look your date in the eye and lean toward her, showing that you really want to learn more about her life.
Decide beforehand if you and your date will ride to the venue together or separately. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Choose a casual venue with a comfortable atmosphere, like a sporting event, bowling or a picnic in the park. The activity should be one that both you and your date are interested in. If you have future dates, take turns deciding the activities. Dress appropriately to participate in an activity like rock climbing.
Take a change of clothes if you go to a more intimate dinner afterwards. By changing clothes, your date will see your casual personality as well as how you “clean up.” It’s like “two for the price of one.” The person who initiated the date should feel obligated to pay for dinner and other activities. If your date is adamant about going dutch, this should be discussed before the date to avoid an awkward situation of trying to decide when the check comes.
To kiss or not to kiss? That is the question. During the course of the date, you will know if there are any sparks. It could just be too early to tell. A hug or peck on the cheek is always a safe option. It takes the pressure off and provides a hint of mystery and anticipation for the next date, if there is one. You might make plans to see each other again or decide that you had fun and decide to move on.
Happy Dating!
