Dating tips: The first date

Going on that first date can be an expectant and nerve-wracking experience.  Will he/she like me and will I like them? Will I say the right thing or totally embarrass myself?  Will there be any chemistry between us?  

It’s a difficult thing to not over-analyse and other-think that first date.  The key is to keep it in perspective, don’t build the first date up too much in your mind, relax – and have fun!  Regardless of wether you make a connection or not, wouldn’t it be great if you could both say you had a good experience? 

So how can you make that first date as great as it can possibly be? (even if you only have one together) Here are 5 tips from the datemymate team that can help you have a fantastic first date experience:

1. Keep it in perspective.
   Don’t build the first date up too much; this is a chance to meet someone new over a cup of coffee. If you get yourself too wound up over it, you’ll be too nervous to enjoy yourself.
   
   
2. Choose the right venue.
   A drink in a quiet bar, a little spot for lunch or coffee are great ideas. Avoid really noisy places where you won’t be able to hear each other or cinemas where you can’t talk at all. Unless you’re certain of it, try and avoid the big romantic gestures such as flowers and chocolates, you always want to keep something in reserve for those possible second and third dates!
   
   
3. Be comfortable with what you’re wearing
   This is of course depending on the situation, but try not to overdo the dressing up. If you feel comfortable you can enjoy being yourself.
   
   
4. Be honest
   If you’re feeling nervous, why not tell your date? Putting it out there could help your date identify with you and could also help diminish any awkwardness. It might also strangely make you feel more confident!
   
   
5. When in doubt, go Dutch
   If there’s a bill, it’s good practice to split it. It feels fair and avoids any awkwardness afterwards of one person feeling they have to pay the other something back.  
   
   

The best strategy of any great first date is to go into it with the goal of simply enjoying yourself, instead of harbouring a goal to win your date over. That way you’ll come off as tenacious and carefree, qualities that are attractive to everyone!

Got any tips on first dates yourself? Or do you need some one to one dating advice? Then contact the datemymate dating experts