7 Tips for A Fun First Date

 

 

First dates can be ridiculously scary. This is the stage where you’re just getting to know a person, nerves on edge and stomach all a flutter.

What if you have absolutely no chemistry and the date bombs quickly? My girlfriends and I often give each other pseudo pep-talks prior to a first date and the debrief in our group texts following. Keeping each other in check (and helping to keep our expectations blissfully low.)

Below are a few tips we always give each other to bring you a lighter, more fun post for a change:

 

Look Your Best

When you look your best, you’ll feel so much better about yourself and the situation. This isn’t to say you should scour YouTube to get the latest tips and trick on how to cake on massive amounts of makeup and put on your shortest dress.

Focus solely on ensuring that look how you feel is your best. This may be minimal makeup and a pair of your favorite jeans. It might very well be a pretty dress.

Whatever you feel most comfortable in. If you’re just going for a coffee date then you may opt for a more smart casual look, but it still applies.

Look your best and you’ll be your best self by default. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, as rushing will only make those first date nerves worse.

 

Think of a Few Conversational Topics

Although you want the conversation to flow naturally and smoothly, it doesn’t always work that way. To help, think of a few conversational topics before you go on the date that could help to spark an interesting conversation.

You may not need them, but they could help to fill any awkward silences. Maybe think of some questions you’d like to ask or something interesting to bring up and see how it goes.

 

Be Yourself

Always be yourself on your date. No matter how well you want the date to go, you shouldn’t sit around and think how to be like the person you think your date wants you to be. Don’t bother Googling them and poring over photos of ex girlfriends before deciding what to wear and what to act like.

You got this date by being you I’m assuming, so continue to be you on the date. Dress how you dress, and talk about the things you’re interested in.

 

Go Somewhere Less Formal than a Meal

If you go for a meal on your first date, then you’re usually there for at least an hour and a half while you eat. This could be a recipe for disaster if the date isn’t going well.

Going for a coffee first could be a better idea, as you don’t need to stay for too long to see how things are going to go. If you’re going to go for food, leave it to the second date when you’re sure you get along with this person! Click here for ideas on great second date locations.

 

Don’t Complain

Avoid complaining for the duration of the date. Some people are natural born complainers, but it can put a damper on things and put you in a negative light.

Talking about positive things will make the date go much more smoothly. You’ll both have a better time as no one wants to be first acquainted over a laundry list of complaints.

 

Keep Your Expectations Low

Many people get caught up in thinking “I could be going on a first date with my future husband/wife!” Others feel they have to get through their laundry list of must-haves checked off before considering a second date (I have gotten question after question, my thoughts on my ~future wedding~ thoughts on parenting and more.

Needless to say it was clear those guys were just anxious to get married and play catch up to their group of friends. Not a good look in my book.

Take things slowly, one step at a time. Think to yourself that at the very least, the worst case scenario is you leave from the table with a new friend. This will take the pressure out of the situation and ensure a more fun experience for both parties.

 

Think About the Bill

Don’t assume your date is going to pay the entire bill. Though I am an old-fashioned gal and believe if a man pursues and asks you out, they have made their intent to pay clear, I always sincerely (yet politely, I have had men get a tad bit offended) offer to pay my half even if I am sure they are going to decline.

It shows that you take care of yourself, don’t expect others to pay your way and is a very attractive quality in a woman.

 

What have been some of your best first date tips?

 

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