Brush Up On Your Dating Skills – 4 First Date Tips
April 24, 2009 by Marc Sandford
Filed under Dating Tips
For a lot of singles, first dates are times of great stress. When a person hasn’t been dating for a long time it is particularly stressful.
Not knowing what to do or say to someone you know very little about are very common fears. Worry over rejection or of things going badly can also cause stress.
A good way of dealing with this stress is knowing what you’re expected to do on that first date. Here’s a few suggestions:
1.) Taking her to a movie is probably not the best idea. Why is this? Because it’s impossible to find out what sort of person she is if you’re sitting in a dark room and can’t do any talking.
An equally important reason is that it’s passive and unexciting. It’s your stereotypical date, it’s an extremely common thing to do.
Dates that are based on some activity can be great fun. Suggestions include skating, wine tasting, miniature golf, or going to a baseball game. A suggestion: It really helps if you know about what your date is interested in.
Getting a bite to eat is a good plan when you’re through with the activity. Avoid going to an expensive restaurant since it will seem as if you desperately need to impress her.
2.) It never hurts to do some thinking in advance about a general plan for your conversation. Many dates have flopped because of excessive awkward silences. Start the date with small talk about something current or of interest in the immediate environment.
The conversation can be steered to getting to know her when both of you are feeling more relaxed. Learn what you share in common by asking some open ended questions and listening to her responses.
Giving and taking is the essence of good conversation. Ask too many questions and the date becomes an interview. Talk to much about yourself and the date is all about you.
3.) Clean and attractive clothing are important. Your date may become a disaster zone if she gets a very bad first impression. The type of clothing you wear is decided by where you go and what you do on your date.
Women have this thing about shoes, so leave the old shoddy shoes at home.
4.) Bear with me on this obvious suggestion but there are always some who must be told: personal hygiene is essential. A shower, shave, mouthwash, deodorant, and clean teeth are the basics. Don’t let a case of nerves or time pressure make you omit this.
Remember that excessive nervousness is a turn off because it makes you appear as lacking in confidence. Being relaxed will make your date comfortable and thus make it easier to connect with her. Don’t pressure yourself by placing big expectations on the date’s outcome. You’re out with an interesting person, so have fun.