First dates are terrifying and exciting in equal measures. The weight of expectation can place a lot of pressure on you to create the perfect atmosphere.
The one things that you SHOULD do is be yourself. If the girl of your dreams has agreed to go on a date with you, it is because she wants to get to know you, not the person you think she should get to know. Plus, when you’re not being yourself, it’s takes up so much more energy and is not sustainable.
Now that we have established the one major thing you should be doing, let’s look at all the things you shouldn’t do.
- Talk incessantly about your ex
Look at it this way – if the girl you are taking out spent the whole date talking about her ex boyfriend, how would that make you feel? Exactly. You really don’t want to hear about it. So don’t do it.
- Be constantly on your phone
Be brave, put it on silent and put it away out of temptation’s way. There’s nothing worse than being sat opposite someone who is constantly on the phone. You absolutely need to focus on your full attention on your date. Otherwise, what is the point of being on the date in the first place – you might as well have stayed at home!
- Show off
Your wrists might be adorned with the latest Rolex watches and men’s leather bracelets, but please don’t be flash about it. If you have wealth that’s great, but understated is best. You want your date to like you for who you are, not what you are worth!
- Don’t be a slob
Equally, if you’re a bit of a slob, it might be better for you just to raise your standard a little. So, at least on this first date, don’t do any of the following: eat with your hands, pick your nose, burp, fart, get drunk, spit, shout at, abuse and swear at the waiting staff, get into a fight, and expect your date to pick up the bill.
- Don’t flirt with other people
Imagine again that your date spent the entire evening eying up the bloke on the next table! I don’t think you would last the evening. So for goodness sake, don’t try and flirt with any of the other women in the venue. There is a reason why you have asked this particular girl on a date – your focus should be on her 100 per cent!
- Don’t be needy
Don’t be seeking reassurance from your date. Big No No questions are: “Do you find me attractive? Do you fancy me? Am I better than your last date/boyfriend? Will you come on another date? It doesn’t take long for you to come across as desperate – one of the most unattractive qualities in anyone of the opposite sex.
- Don’t be aloof
At the same time, don’t be so aloof that it appears as though you don’t care.
- Don’t be over-controlling
If you criticise or comment your date on the way she is dressed, chooses her menu options, eats her food, gives her opinions, you are very quickly going to find yourself at an empty table with those menu options tipped over your head.
- Not making an effort
It’s important that you make some effort, even if it’s only to put a comb through your hair and brush your teeth. But if you arrive smelling of body odour in a stained pair of trousers, chances are you won’t make it past the first course!
Behave congruent to your true values, and you could be on your way to a second date!
