The first date, as the starting point for emotional communication between two people, often carries each other’s curiosity and expectations. A successful first date not only deepens mutual understanding, but also lays a solid foundation for future relationship development.
Here are ten tips for first dates compiled by the editor, hoping to help everyone better showcase themselves and win the other person’s favor.
1. Prepare well
Image preparation: Choose appropriate clothing based on the date occasion. If you are going to watch a movie or for a more casual activity, you can wear comfortable and fashionable clothes, such as jeans paired with a simple top; If you go to a high-end restaurant, it’s best to wear formal attire or a small formal dress. Pay attention to personal hygiene, take care of your hair, keep your face clean, and have fresh breath are also important.
Topic preparation: Think of some topics to discuss in advance to avoid awkward situations. For example, you can learn about some recent popular movies, music, tourist destinations, etc. If you met through common interests and hobbies, such as both enjoying reading, then you can prepare some topics about book recommendations or authors. Meanwhile, avoid discussing controversial topics such as politics, religion, etc.
Understand the date location: Have an understanding of the surrounding environment of the date location. For example, what are the signature dishes of the restaurant, and are there any nearby parks or interesting shops for walking. If the date lasts for a long time, this information can give you more choices during the dating process.
2. Arrive on time
Being punctual is the most basic respect for the other party. If there is a possibility of being late due to force majeure, be sure to notify the other party in advance and sincerely apologize. Try to plan the route in advance, consider traffic conditions, and reserve enough time to go to the appointment location.
3. Maintain a positive mindset
It’s inevitable to feel nervous on a first date, but try to relax as much as possible. You can take a few deep breaths before the date and tell yourself that it’s just a process of getting to know each other.
Smiling is one of the best ways to show a positive attitude. A sincere smile can make the other person feel comfortable and relaxed, and also create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for dating.
4. Pay attention to the opening remarks
The opening statement should be simple and friendly. You can start by praising the other person, such as “You look really beautiful/handsome today”, or start with a light topic, such as “The road was pretty smooth today, did you come over smoothly?” Avoid using overly clich é d or awkward opening remarks, such as those that sound like pick-up lines copied from the internet.
5. Actively listen
When the other person is speaking, give full attention. Maintain eye contact, but do not stare at the other person constantly to avoid making them feel pressured. Nodding appropriately indicates that you understand and agree with the other person’s viewpoint. And you need to show your interest in what the other person is saying by asking questions. For example, if the other person says they enjoy traveling, you can ask “Where is your favorite travel destination? Why
6. Share your own story
While listening to the other person, it is also important to share one’s own experiences and perspectives appropriately. However, don’t be too self-centered and turn the conversation into your own personal speech. You can use your own story to echo what the other person is saying, for example, if the other person mentions liking food, you can share an interesting experience you had while searching for food.
7. Pay attention to body language
Maintain a good posture, sit or stand straight, and avoid hunching over, as this can give people a sense of confidence. Slightly leaning towards the other person indicates your attention to them. Avoid crossing your arms, as this may make the other person feel like you are protecting yourself or not interested.
Occasional small physical contact, such as lightly touching the other person’s arm to emphasize a certain point, but pay attention to the balance and avoid being too intimate, so as not to make the other person feel uncomfortable.
8. Control the pace and direction of the conversation
The pace of conversation should not be too fast or too slow. If the topic changes too frequently, it will make the other party feel confused; If you stay on the same topic all the time, it may become boring.
If you find the topic becoming dull or controversial, cleverly steer it towards a more positive and interesting direction. For example, if you are discussing work pressure and feel the atmosphere is a bit heavy, you can say, “Let’s not talk about work for now. What hobbies do you have to relax yourself
9. Respect the other party’s opinions and choices
During the dating process, whether it’s choosing food, activities, or discussing a topic, it’s important to respect the other person’s opinions. If you have different opinions on something, don’t force the other party to agree with you, but rather seek common ground while reserving differences.
For example, when choosing restaurant dishes, the other party may have their own taste preferences. You can say, “This one you like sounds great, we can order it to try
10. The way to end a date should be appropriate
Knowing when to end a date is important. If the dating process is enjoyable, don’t delay it too long to avoid making both parties feel exhausted. At the end, you can sincerely thank the other person, such as “I had a great time with you today, thank you for being willing to go on a date with me.” You can also mention your expectations for the next meeting appropriately, but don’t put too much pressure on the other person, such as “I hope we have the opportunity to come out and play together in the future
If the date process is not very pleasant, don’t show negative emotions, and end it politely, such as “Thank you very much for your time today, but I may have to go first
In short, a first date is a wonderful journey of exploration. Through careful preparation and sincere expression, it can not only increase mutual affection, but also lay a solid foundation for future relationships. May every lover find their own heart and happiness on their first date.
