Is the prospect of a first date making you nervous? Do you cringe with regret as you recall the last one? If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Even in this era where dating should be more simple and uncomplicated.
I understand how nerve-wracking this can be. You’ll want to organize your date to ensure that you have a good time and demonstrate your interest. However, you don’t want to appear as though you’re putting too much effort into something that could not work out too.
Well, let me tell you something good news, you may avoid some of the more typical errors and problems by using the appropriate method.
1. Remember that meeting in person is better than texting
Although the interaction may have begun with a simple text, it should not be left still for too long. Texting might give you the feel of who someone is, but if you’re after more than just words on a screen, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice are all as significant to truly get to know them. So, rather of wasting time on a virtual engagement, go out and actually date the person. So, next time you are texting each other, either you invite or being invited, just
2. Don’t overstress yourself
On a first date, a little nervousness is normal — in fact, it’s part of the charm. However, you’ll want to avoid stress that will make you anxious and your date uncomfortable. Note that the calmer you are, the more at ease your date will be in your presence. Sitting at a right angle to your date rather than straight facing them is a simple strategy. This relieves the strain of filling every lull in the discussion, allowing you and your partner to do some people-watching instead.
3. Upgrade your personal presentation
It’s crucial to know how you present yourself (and how others may view you) both before and during a date. In fact, if you’re thinking about dating, the “pre” stage is crucial.
This can happen to any of us. Of course it will be hard for us to understand how others view on us. For example in matchmaking, while writing a profile, there are some certain criteria that you might want to attach in, while in my professional view, it’s better not to. The other example is, your profile picture (this is actually very very important).
It’s critical to comprehend the full picture of what you’re putting out there, whether it’s the words you use to define yourself, your photos, or the way you dress. Is that the best of you?
4. First impression matters
Someone can build an opinion about you in a matter of seconds based on your appearance and manner. Smiling is a terrific technique to make a good first impression. Smiling is a trait of likeable people, a sign of happiness, and a skill that can be learned. You will not only feel better, but you will also transmit some of that optimism onto those around you if you smile more.
It’s all about the positive energy!
5. Ask open-ended questions that easy on both of you
I bet the first questions is “What do you ask after you ask what he does for a living?”
After that, a follow up questions might be great. For example “What made interested in this line of work?” or “What would you be if you are not doing this job today?”
Try to avoid ‘yes no’ questions or a questions that sounds like you are waiting for certain answer. For example “Do you like to dance or not?” or “Would you prefer to visit UK or US?”
6. Show off your listening skills
Nothing beats having someone truly listen to what you have to say. It’s such a pleasant sensation that doing so for your date is almost certain in making a positive impression.
That said; try to stay away distractions so you can really engage with your date. Keep your phone away, just pull it out once or twice to check the time or send a brief text – and really engage in the conversation. Nod your head and offer follow-up questions to show you’re paying attention.
7. Be Interested to Be Interesting
Remember that while we all enjoy talking about ourselves, your date may not find you as fascinating as you do. Making it all about you, in fact, sends the wrong signals, but you also can’t let all the talking goes to your date. The key is to listen carefully and reply appropriately, as when we summaries a point and ask a follow-up question. This way, you’re demonstrating your interest in them this way. As a result, you become more interesting.
You should not only be interested in your date; you should also be interested in the topics that arise. Curiosity is a thrilling feeling and it is more appealing than you think! Curiosity reveals a person’s basic knowledge and passion for life. So, rather than assuming you have nothing in common when your date brings up a topic you’re unfamiliar with, ask for additional information. Your date will be delighted to unveil on a topic they enjoy (and vice versa).
8. Being polite is a great way to show your date that you’re a good person.
You should not just utilize your manners with your date, but also with everyone else in the vicinity, such as waiters, restaurant hosts, or valets. Say please and thank you to show off your lovely nature and to let your date know you’re a kind person..
You might say “That’s obviously”, but you’d be shocked by the amount of people who think higher of themselves and ended up being so rude.
9. Save the complaining for later.
You wouldn’t want your date to label you as a complainer, would you? I know, it might be hard to keep your cool when something happen, such as bad traffic, or your colleagues is dragging your team down again, or whatever it might be.
Yes, you want to be true to yourself and show whoever you are, but surely the positive and brighter you is much better than the negative you; especially when you are on your first date.
10. Some Fun
A first date does not have to take place in a café or bar. While this can be entertaining and is an excellent date idea, it isn’t the only one available. To make a better impression, you might completely organize a unique and one-of-a-kind date.
Have some fun, date is not mandatory. You choose to do it because you want to, so enjoy it to the fullest and don’t put any pressure on it.
11. Complete your successful first date with the right follow-up
So you clicked, everything went well. Fantastic. So, what’s next? A good first date is only as good as the follow-up, which involves setting up another date. You could do it on the spot, but there is a better way.
Soon after, send a message to tell your date how much fun you had and let them know that you wish to meet them again soon. Relax and don’t expect a quick reply, or you’ll come across as desperate. Remember, if you did whatever I told you before, you’ve already set yourself apart from the crowd.
If you follow these tips, you’ll leave your date with one heck of a positive impression. I promise.
It’s neither hard nor easy. You just need to have knowledge of what to do and what not to do. This might be tricky if you do it on your own, but you can always seek guidance.
And that’s where Contact AJ can come forward whenever you needed.
We will always be here to back you up!
Yours in love and happiness,
Katherine Wei