Regardless of how much and how often you date, going on first dates is always exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. There is just something about first dates that makes us want to make a great first impression without going over the top or embarrassing ourselves.
That’s probably why dating is so stressful for a lot of people. How do you make a good first impression?
There really is no recipe for making a good first impression on a first date, just a couple of tips that can help you out and help you relax a bit. So, if you’re getting ready for a first date, these couple of tips will come in handy.
Be yourself
There is no better way to make a great first impression than by being yourself. The worst thing you can do is present yourself in a false light. That is a sure way to ruin a relationship right from the start. You don’t have time to be anyone but yourself.
Instead, don’t be afraid to show the other person exactly who you are right from the get-go. Be true to yourself and let your authenticity speak for itself.
Be confident without being arrogant
It’s a fine line between being confident and arrogant. Confidence means paying attention to your body – how you walk, how you hold your head and make eye contact and listen to the other person.
It also means paying attention to your words, not taking yourself too seriously, and acknowledging your weaknesses.
If you want to make a great first impression on the first date, walk with a straight posture, with a smile on your face. Make sure you pay close attention to what your date is saying and look them in the eye. And don’t be cocky and condescending!
Dress well and don’t be late
Since we’re talking about first impressions, there’s no greater first impression than your appearance. It may sound superficial but how you dress is a first telltale of how you feel about the first date.
That’s why, you should do your best to impress your date right off the bat. Now, this doesn’t imply that you should pull out your three-piece suit or a gown, but simply put some effort into your date outfit.
In addition to the outfit, being early, or at least punctual, to your date is yet another good way to make a great first impression. There’s nothing more off-putting than being late for your first date. So, don’t do it.
Be kind and well-mannered
The way you treat the staff of a restaurant or a café where you’re having your date says a lot about you. You’re certainly not making a very good first impression if you're rude and mean to them. So, just as you’re kind to your date, be kind to the staff as well.
Hand in hand with kindness go manners. Show your date that you’re a well-mannered person. Have good table manners and dining etiquette – don’t talk with a full mouth, don’t put elbows on the table, use utensils appropriately, and so on.
How you behave before, during, and after the date can leave a lasting impression on your date.
Move past small talk but don’t interview your date
Small talk is typical first-date talk, but it gets old pretty fast. That’s why you have to find ways to be creative and move beyond it.
You might want to create a list of questions you’d want to ask your date but without making it sound like an interview. Make sure that these questions are interesting, add a couple of anecdotes, and simply know which questions to ask. Everything is better than soul-sucking small talk.
Put the phone away and listen to your date
There’s nothing worse than having a date with a person who can’t put their phone away. Yes, it’s true, we’re all deeply attached to our phones, but constantly checking your phone during a date is not only off-putting but downright rude.
You’re on a date with a real person and you have the unique opportunity to meet and get to know this person – don’t waste it. Put your phone away and listen to your date.
Really listen to what your date has to say, as well as their body language, and facial expressions. Don’t just listen for the sake of listening, hear what they are saying and respond appropriately.
Conclusion
In most cases, the purpose of first dates is to form an impression of your date that will decide the further development of your relationship. That’s exactly why making a great impression during the first date is so important.
So, to leave a great first impression on your first date make sure that you’re your confident self, well dressed, well-mannered, and on time, among other things.
