We all know that first dates can be a mix of excitement, nerves, and the age-old question: “What do I do to make this date a hit?”
Well, fear not because you’ve just stumbled upon a treasure trove of wisdom that’s about to turn your first-date jitters into first-date victories.
Whether you’re a seasoned dater looking to up your game or someone stepping onto the stage for the very first time, these 10 tips are your secret to creating a great first date.
Now, before we do this, let’s set the scene.
Imagine us sitting across from each other in a cozy coffee shop, sipping on our favorite brews and chatting like old pals while we thrash this topic.
Table of Contents
10 Tips For A Great First Date
1. Be Yourself, Be Authentic
The golden rule of first dates is just to be yourself.
Seriously, this isn’t a job interview or a stage performance; it’s a chance to connect with someone on a real level.
So, ditch the idea of being “perfect” and embrace your glorious, unique self.
Remember that time you tried to be someone you’re not?
Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Maybe you pretended to be a hiking enthusiast when you’re more of a Netflix-and-chill kind of person.
Or perhaps you tried to act like you’re super into art when the most artistic thing you’ve done lately is drawing stick figures.
Trust me, the charade is just not worth it.
Here’s the deal, authenticity is a magnet.
When you’re genuine, you give off this amazing energy that draws people in.
Sharing your passions, even if they’re a little quirky, is what makes you interesting and relatable.
And guess what?
If you’re lucky enough to score a second date, you won’t have to keep up the act.
2. Choose a Comfortable Setting
The focus of your date venue should be comfort.
You want a location that’s warm, cozy, and just right.
Finding yourself in a vibrant nightclub, a stark contrast to your usual calm café vibe, can be quite unsettling and uncomfortable.
And no one wants to spend their date squinting through dim lights and yelling over thumping music.
Trust me, leave the nightclub scenes for later in the relationship when you’re dancing like no one’s watching.
Instead, opt for a relaxed environment that sets the tone for easy conversation.
A charming coffee shop with the scent of freshly brewed beans, a park where you can stroll and chat, or a cozy bistro with delicious comfort food are all great options.
When both of you are at ease, conversation flows naturally.
And hey, if things go well, you might even start associating that spot with the beginning of something wonderful.
3. Engage in Active Listening
Picture yourself engaged in a lively conversation with your date when suddenly, you realize they’re captivated by your every word.
They’re not merely hearing you; they’re genuinely intrigued by what you have to say.
Doesn’t that feeling of connection feel absolutely incredible?
Active listening goes beyond mere nods and occasional “uh-huh” sounds.
It’s about truly immersing oneself in the conversation, showing genuine interest, and making the other person feel valued.
It’s about immersing yourself in the conversation, asking follow-up questions, and showing that you’re curious to learn more about the person across the table.
Oh, and don’t forget those non-verbal cues – eye contact, nods, and those knowing smiles.
They’re the little reassurances that say, “Hey, I’m right here with you.”
And you know what?
This kind of attention isn’t just flattering; it creates a deeper connection and shows that you’re genuinely invested in getting to know your date.
4. Keep the Conversation Light and Positive
The activity that holds your dating experience together is the conversations you have, and you have to keep it really good on your first date.
It isn’t the time to delve into your existential thoughts or dive deep into your worst life experiences.
Nope, save those for a later date when you’ve both built a solid foundation of trust.
Instead, sprinkle your conversation with a dash of humor, a pinch of curiosity, and a generous helping of optimism.
Share stories that make you both laugh, like that one time you tried to cook a gourmet meal and ended up setting off the fire alarm.
Or chat about your favorite travel destinations and dreamy adventures you’d want to embark on someday.
The idea is to create an atmosphere where both of you feel at ease , and the conversation flows.
You want to leave your date feeling uplifted and excited about the possibility of spending more time with you.
Keep those vibes positive, the smiles genuine, and the stories uplifting.
5. Practice Good Table Manners
More often than not, most first dates involve a bit of eating and maybe even dining.
You cannot afford to sit across from your date, chewing loudly and uncomposed.
Nobody wants to hear you slurping and smacking.
It’s totally not cool.
Chew with your mouth closed.
It’s a simple act of courtesy that can make a world of difference.
No matter how enthusiastic you are about a delicious meal, keep it simple and quiet.
The only time you should be loud about a meal is when you’re talking about it.
Good table manners aren’t about being prim and proper.
They’re about creating an enjoyable dining experience for both you and your date.
Make sure you ahead, and show that you’re a true connoisseur of both food and company.
6. Share Personal Stories
Imagine being in your favorite restaurant with your date, and it has been going so well until you hit a moment of silence, having talked about almost everything and anything.
That point is usually the awkward part of a date, and the perfect solution to this is sharing your personal story.
Sharing a glimpse of your life through stories is opening a stream of conversation topics.
Maybe you’ve got a hilarious childhood tale that involves a pet chicken and a bicycle race.
Or perhaps you embarked on a wild adventure during a backpacking trip that ended with you befriending a stray cat that became your travel buddy.
These stories are golden nuggets of conversation gold.
When you share a personal story, you’re not just narrating events; you’re inviting your date into your world.
It’s a chance to reveal your quirks, your passions, and your sense of humor.
Your date will likely reciprocate, and before you know it, you’re both swapping tales like old friends catching up.
Of course, there’s a delicate balance here.
You don’t want to transform your first date into a storytelling marathon.
Keep it light, keep it engaging, and most importantly, keep it real.
Your stories are there to add flavor to the date.
7. Limit Phone Distractions
Okay, let’s talk about the use of phones during a date.
It’s funny how we all seem attached to our phones.
But then, your date didn’t invite you out to watch how good you are with your phone.
He wants to spend quality time with you while enjoying every moment you share together.
Put your phone on silent mode or, even still, tuck it away.
I know FOMO is real, but trust me, Instagram can wait.
This is your chance to engage in some good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation.
Show your date they have your undivided attention; it’s a small gesture that speaks volumes about your interest.
8. Use Humor and Laughter
No, you don’t need to prepare a stand-up routine, but a sprinkle of humor can light up the atmosphere.
Remember, we’re not aiming for a laugh riot, just a genuine smile or a chuckle here and there.
Maybe it’s a witty comment about your clumsy coffee spill or a playful jab about your shared love for a quirky movie.
Humor is a secret handshake between two people that creates an instant connection.
Laughter is a universal language that needs no translation.
Don’t be afraid to let your quirky side shine and share a laugh or two.
Your date will thank you for it.
9. Respect Differences and Boundaries
Differing opinions are needed to create a balance anywhere we find ourselves.
So, what do you do?
First things first, take a deep breath.
This isn’t a battle to win; it’s a chance to learn from each other.
Listen actively and genuinely try to understand their perspective.
Maybe you’ll find a common ground, or perhaps you’ll just gain a new perspective you never considered before.
This will even help with expanding your mental horizons, and that’s pretty darn cool.
And if the topic gets a tad too heated, it’s totally okay to switch gears.
There’s a whole buffet of other things to chat about, from hobbies to dream destinations.
The goal is to connect and enjoy each other’s company, and respecting each other’s differences is a big part of that.
10. Express Appreciation and Interest
Fast forward to the end of your fantastic date.
Hopefully, it’s been a whirlwind of laughter, stories, and connection.
Now take a moment to express your feelings in a way that’s sincere and not overwhelming.
Imagine you’re both standing there, the evening wrapping up.
Instead of blurting out, “I had an amazing time, let’s do this again!” like a contestant in a speed-dating reality show, take a breath and let it flow naturally.
A simple “I really enjoyed spending time with you” with a genuine smile can work wonders.
And here’s a little secret sauce: don’t forget to add a sprinkle of curiosity.
It’s always nice to end the date on a positive note.
Show that you’re interested in furthering your connection by suggesting a second adventure together.
Depending on what you two talked about during the date, ask if they’d be up for trying that new ice cream place or checking out an art exhibit.
This shows that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them better and having more fun experiences together.