How to Create a Good Impression on a First Date
For many of us, first dates can rank up there with the most stressful things we ever have to do in life. Even if you’ve been talking for a while on an online dating site or you’re normally comfortable meeting strangers, the idea of spending several hours in one-to-one conversation with a new potential partner can be intimidating. This is likely due to the heightened sense of being under scrutiny, coupled with the urge to make a good impression.
When it comes to first dates, practise makes perfect, and luckily there are plenty of things you can do to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Remember to enjoy yourself
Even though your main focus may be on what your potential new partner is like, and what they think of you, it’s important to remember that a first date is not just a mutual interview. It’s supposed to be fun!
From there you only need that spark of attraction to turn into something more. Try to keep the conversation light-hearted and don’t worry too much about not knowing absolutely everything about your date right away.
Be prepared
Have some general questions ready. That said, it’s important to prepare some questions to ask based on things you’ve learned about your date. If you met using online dating, it can mean that you already know some of your date’s likes and interests. Bringing some of these up is always a great conversation starter and can keep the date relaxed and fun.
If you’ve met on a site such as Datepedia.org, who base their matches on shared views and beliefs, then you already know you have a lot in common. If that’s the case, then preparing a set of questions and keeping the conversation flowing will be a lot easier than you think.
Be a good listener
There’s nothing that establishes instant rapport more than showing that you’re really listening to what your date has to say. Remember to look at them as they speak, nod your head and give the occasional ‘mm-hmm’. Don’t interrupt, and don’t change the subject until it feels natural.
Most importantly, never check your text messages as they’re speaking. This can come across as uninterested and downright rude!
Be aware of your body language
The majority of human communication is done through non-verbal cues (some researchers believe as much as 93%), so it’s important to bear in mind that your body language speaks volumes even when your mouth is closed.
Things like leaning back, dropping your shoulders, and relaxing your hands can show that you’re comfortable and make your date feel comfortable in turn.
The body language of someone who is nervous is remarkably similar to the body language of someone who is lying. So don’t fidget too much or you could make your date feel a little suspicious or wary.
The more you practise the body language of a relaxed person, the more relaxed you’ll really feel, and the more able you’ll be to be your lovely, charming, friendly self.