You’ve got a first date planned. It’s exciting, but as the day gets closer, your nerves may start to sink in. That’s totally normal. First dates are nerve-wracking as you never know where they might lead. But if you let your nerves get the better of you, you could ruin the date before it’s started. In this blog post, you can find five first-date tips that will help you get ready while keeping your nerves under control.
Pick the Perfect Outfit
A first date is where first impressions count. So your outfit should represent you. It should feel comfortable on your body and make you feel confident. As long as you look and feel your best, you will have the confidence to rock your first date.
The key to finding a perfect outfit is sticking to your personal style. It can be tempting to experiment with the latest fashion trends. But you may not feel yourself. So instead, wear your favorite pieces that make you feel your best. Go with your gut and never dumb down your style for someone else.
When picking a first date outfit, it’s best to choose something that fits your body perfectly. While there’s no shame in showing a little skin, don’t wear something too tight or loose. Alternatively, choose clothes based on the date’s activities. For example, you don’t want to be dressed in heels if you’re playing mini-golf.
Whatever you decide to wear, it should make you feel sexy. Of course, there’s no harm in choosing a first date outfit that shows you want to look your best. In fact, it’s a sign that you put time and effort into your appearance. Whether that’s a flirty summer dress or a smoldering off-the-shoulder top. Your ensemble should give you that extra bit of confidence that makes you seem irresistible.
Make an Excellent First Impression
Your outfit can tell a lot about you, but it’s your body language that will make a lasting impression. Researchers at Princeton University found we judge how reliable, friendly, and attractive someone is from the first impression. So it wouldn’t hurt to think about how you present yourself on a first date.
Ask your friends how they perceive you and think about their feedback. Then, consider why they may have that impression of you. If it’s not the vibe you intend to give off, take a deeper look at your body language. Your nonverbal language is the loudest thing you communicate.
Try to catch yourself practicing negative body language. Things like crossing your arms and avoiding eye contact indicate you’re not interested in your date. Instead, lean in and tilt your head towards them. It gives off a positive vibe and lets your date know you are interested in the conversation.
Choose Interesting Conversation Starters
Whether or not you’ve been texting on dating apps. First-date conversations can quickly feel like an interview. Although you may be keen to know your date, asking too many questions can be a huge turnoff. A study at Stanford University found couples who asked the most questions had the weakest connection. So instead, you should ask your date open questions and make statements to keep the conversation flowing.
Avoid closed questions that require a yes or no answer. They only make you panic as you’ll want to quickly fill the silence. Open questions take more effort and always lead to a more extensive conversation. Psychologist Arthur Aron created 36 questions that help people fall in love. Pick a few to ask your date to keep things interesting.
Another way to keep the conversation flowing is to make statements when your date answers your questions. For instance, if he says he went traveling for a year. You could comment, “You must not get homesick.” It will make him feel like he needs to reply without asking him anything.
Boost Your Confidence
Before you head out on your date, you should boost your confidence so you can present your best self. It will make you seem more attractive and help the date to flow. You can put an extra spring in your step by giving yourself a pep talk or doing something before your date that makes you feel good.
It may feel silly, but encouraging yourself can put you in a good mood. For example, stand in front of a mirror and say, “Whatever happens, I will have fun. It’s a learning experience.” These positive affirmations will help you feel at ease. You could also remind yourself of another time you were nervous, but things went well.
If you have time before your date, do something you enjoy to give you a rush of happy hormones. Whether that’s hanging out with friends, working out, or meditating. As long as you give yourself enough time to get ready, do something to boost your confidence.
Practice Self-Calming Techniques
You can have the perfect first date outfit and questions prepared, but nerves can still get the better of you. If you find yourself panicking, there are ways you can calm yourself down and save the date.
Besides excusing yourself to have a pep talk in the bathroom, you can use this time to practice breathing exercises. Breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds until you feel calm. Once you’re ready, re-join your date feeling relaxed.
Another simple way to relax while on your date is by remembering to drop your shoulders and check your breathing. If you feel yourself tensing up, tell yourself to relax your muscles. Stress can build from tense muscles, which release harmful hormones. So instead, remind yourself to unwind, and things will go smoothly.
A first date can be nerve-wracking. There are plenty of things that can go wrong. But instead of focusing on the bad, think of the things you can control. Boost your confidence, choose a comfortable outfit, have a few open-ended questions ready, and practice positive body language. And remember, you can soothe yourself if things don’t go as planned. If you’re relaxed and confident, then you’ll be sure to keep your date hooked.