First dates are tough. Deciding what to wear, where to go, what to do, how to talk to a person you don’t actually know, all of this and many other considerations can make you sweat profusely, and tremble in fear. But don’t worry, there’s not a person you won’t be able to bewilder with your winning personality if you simply take a step back, and make a solid game plan.
No matter if you have a week to prepare, or just a couple of days to strategize, you can organize your first date down to the smallest of details. Here are the five essential first date tips that will make you come off as an amazing person, and inspire your partner to call you the very next morning.
Brainstorm a unique first-date experience
No, you don’t need to go skydiving, nor should you. A unique date doesn’t mean that you should come up with something that person has never seen or done before, it simply means that you should make that experience, whatever it might be, a unique one. To achieve this, you will need to combine some interesting first-date activities with your amazing personality.
From taking your date on an exploration tour of the city (the old quarter, if you have one), going to a comedy show, or hitting a bar that suits both your music and ambiance preferences, there are plenty of amazing things you can do together. You can also combine a few activities in order to mix fun and games with delicious food and drinks. Whatever you choose, though, make sure that you can talk to your date without having to raise your voice – too much noise is a deal-breaker.
Build your outfit ahead of time
If you try to decide on your outfit the night before (or worse, that very afternoon), you’re going to have a bad time. Chances are, you’ll start to panic, you’ll choose all the wrong pieces, and you’ll end up looking nothing like your real self. This is not an image you want to project on the first date. Instead, be sure to build your ensemble way ahead of time.
The key is to try out numerous different combinations, and of course, to mix and match the pieces until you find the perfect blend between looking classy, cool, approachable, and memorable. Start by creating all unique options, and then start mixing pieces from different piles. This will help you create a unique ensemble that’s just right for the occasion.
Accessorize to showcase your personality
Accessories are the accents that set you apart from everyone else, and let your true personality come to light. This is your unique opportunity to show your date what you’re all about, what your personal style looks like, what you stand for, and who you really are. When you combine and wear your accents right, you will make a lasting impression.
Now, accents come down to personal preference, as well as the occasion. If you’re going out to an opera or to a fine-dining restaurant, then you can choose your accents from a collection of fine jewellery to complement an up-scale wardrobe, as well as the setting. Conversely, if you’re going out to a laid-back venue such as a pub or the movies, then feel free to complement your style with leather accessories and jewellery that will make your casual outfit stand out.
Be yourself but prepare conversation topics
It doesn’t matter if you’re shy, or if you’re completely extroverted, the important thing is to be yourself. That way, the person will get to know the real you, and you’ll know where you stand right away. Now, just because you should be yourself doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. No matter how introverted or perhaps shy you might be, it’s important to prepare for the date and have some interesting topics ready.
You can go over common small talk topics in order to get to know the person, but it’s also important to be able to take the conversation deeper, so to speak. Don’t stick to trivial topics, but casually move into unique talking points that will showcase how well-read, well-informed, and interesting you are. Talk about books and movies, current and past events, the causes you both believe in, as well as abstract topics such as art, love, and emotions – these are the conversations that stick.
Put a smile on your face and have fun
And finally, remember to put a smile on your face. There’s nothing quite as memorable and appealing as a dazzling smile, so show them those pearly whites – but do it naturally. What’s more, keep in mind that you’re here to have fun and enjoy yourself. There’s no need to panic, nobody is judging you, just relax and realize that everything will be fine, no matter how the date ends. And whatever you do, don’t stick around if the person makes you feel uncomfortable – you are in control.
Wrapping up
There is no denying that first dates can be tough, but only if you don’t prepare in the days leading up to the event. Use these tips to steady your nerves, organize an amazing first date, and showcase your winning personality that will dazzle your partner and set the stage for a thriving relationship.
