First Date Advice
Make it a success
Dress – take a cue from where your date will be: Whether it’s an upscale restaurant or a corner cafe, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the venue. Looking great and smelling nice is important. If you’re heading out directly from work then plan accordingly; Ladies, grab that sexy-smart black dress and heels to change into. Gentlemen, your smile, kindness, and confidence will take you the furthest, and wearing it well is the sexiest.
Timing – show up on time. Know the route you will take to your date, and leave extra time to get there. It is even better to plan to arrive a few minutes early. If you are driving, then plan to use valet and scope out the parking location in advance. Make sure you have contact information in case of an emergency. When you show consideration, thoughtfulness and respect for yourself and your date by showing up a few minutes early and meet your date on time, you are well situated to enjoy a great first date! And so will your date, with you.
Devices – turn them off and put them away. Checking your mobile phone during a date is one of the quickest ways to make someone feel uncomfortable. If you absolutely must check it, then explain those circumstances to your date up-front, and concentrate on making your date feel special. Even if there are no sparks, be courteous, stay engaged in the conversation, and always end the evening respectfully. It’s a small world and you never know who knows who, so keep your slate clean.
Conversation – as a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t discuss your work unless your date specifically asks about it. Even then, keep it brief. Unless your date is in the same occupation as you are, it’s highly unlikely they want to spend the date hearing about your work. Stay present, first dates are not the time to bring up exes. Politics and religion? Maybe, but don’t take it too far. Share something unique about yourself. Laugh together. Be honest about who you are, what you like, what’s important to you, all of it. Being honest is one of the most fundamental ways to make a first date go well.
Duration – The purpose of a first date is to break the ice and see if there’s a connection. It should last a minimum of 1 hour and no more than 2 hours. Even if the chemistry isn’t there right away, it’s important to stay engaged and give it a chance. If you are truly enjoying yourself at the 2 hour mark then consider it a great first date, and warmly call it a night. Keeping it short and sweet allows for the “leave them wanting more” factor. Remember, a solid relationship develops over time and getting to know someone deeply, in due course, is essential to building a relationship with lasting power.
Continuity – Sophisticated singles are looking for someone who knows what they want. Gentleman, if you are enjoying your date and things feel comfortable, then before it ends, ask your date out again. For example, discover something you mutually enjoy doing, then put an invitation out to it next weekend. After your date stay in touch. Sought-after singles won’t wait around for you. A phone call within 24-48 hours demonstrates genuine interest, reinforces your presence, and keeps you a front-runner in your date’s mind.