5 Ways To Have A Great First Date

First dates are scary, I know. I have actually gone on quite a few recently and have learned a lot. So much goes into knowing how to have a great first date. Because there is a lot that can make a first date great and a lot that can make a first date pretty awful.

Why are first dates so weird? Well, you are stuck with a person that you probably barely know, and there are always expectations. We all know what we want out of a first date and when the date doesn’t meet that expectation, things can go downhill pretty fast.

# Be yourself

I know this is what everyone says, but people keep saying it because for some reason none of us actually do it. Yes, we all put our best foot forward on a first date, just like we do in a job interview. Remember this is not a tryout.

This is a chance to get to know someone and have them get to know you. Whether you are hoping for something more long term or are just casually dating, I guarantee both you and your date will have a much better time if you are comfortable in your own skin.

# Balance talking and listening

As someone who has consistently been told I talk too much, this is one that is important to pay attention to. You do not necessarily realize that you are talking too much until you have already done it.

Have some questions on hand to show your interest in your date. And remember not to blurt out the first thing you think in response. Let your date stir the conversation for a while.

# Be honest

We all want to impress our date, especially the first time you are meeting. This is why we wear our best outfit and double check our hair and our teeth beforehand. But, you do not want to lie to make yourself seem more interesting, successful, or cool.

If you tell your date you can play guitar, but you can’t, if things move further they will find out you lied. We all have parts of ourselves we may wish were more impressive, but sharing the good, bad, and ugly is what lets you know if this person is really interested in you, not this front you are putting up.

# Have a buffer

A buffer for a first date can come in many forms. After a few bad dates, having one just in case will make you a lot calmer going into the night. There is a small chance you will actually need to use it, and most likely you won’t even think about it once you walk through the door.

A buffer is essentially a security blanket for a first date. It can be having a friend call you a half hour into the date with a fake emergency. It can be a go-to story to change the subject or any excuse to get out. The date itself can be a buffer. If you go get drinks, you can go in saying you can only stay for one drink because you have a pile of work at home.

# Remember it is just one night

If you are anything like me, you cannot help but overthink everything. You analyze all your conversations and think about the future way too prematurely. If I agreed to a date with someone, I tend to consider what a relationship would look like with them, but why?

This way of thinking made me get so worked up for a first date. I would be so nervous and expect so much. Instead, remind yourself this is one date. you may be desperately trying to figure out how to have a great first date, but if it doesn’t go well, so what? And if it does, great. No matter the outcome it is not the end of your dating life. A couple of hours on one evening will not make or break you.