Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful First Date

Dating as overrated as it sounds is still a word that keeps an aspect of our life going. You meet a cool person who you're about to go out with for the first time - exciting right? So, how do you deal with the anxiety that comes with a first date, and how do you go about having a successful first date while still being yourself? To help you make this first step to having a great relationship fun, and memorable, we have come up with a list of some important do's and don'ts you should know to have a successful first date, and these tips should automatically get you a second date if you follow them closely.

1. Do Turn Up On Time

This basically is the core as it regards setting the path for a successful first sate. The whole fashionably late ideology still exists, but on a first date, you'll make a good impression if you show up early. Don't have your date constantly checking their watch and wondering why it took you so long to arrive, as it might piss them off and make the date end on a bad note.

2. Do Put Away Your Phone

You are on a date, and checking your phone from time to time shows how uninterested you are in the conversation. We understand there are some instances when you might have to attend to some important or urgent calls, but if you can, it’s better to even avoid receiving any kind of calls or returning any message during the duration of the date. If possible, keep your phone on airplane mode to avoid distractions. It'll make your date feel secure, and assure them you're actually interested in being there.

3. Do Show Interest

If you're meeting your date for the first time, you'll most likely find out some things you never knew, some of which might interest – others might not be sincerely. However, consider the effort they made in telling you things that are important to them, and show some interest in what they say.

4. Don’t be Unnecessarily Stressed

Yes, a tad bit of anxiety on a first date is natural, but after a while it should wear off. Eliminate the kind of stress that'll make your date feel uncomfortable. It’s been said that sitting in a right angle to your date, rather than facing them might take off some pressure off you, and you should try this. Most importantly, just relax and have fun – it’s just a date.

5. Don’t Look Sloppy

Your appearance is the first thing your date is taking in immediately you show up. If you arrive looking a mess, it shows how much your care for your appearance, and how much pride you have in it. It's better to show up overdressed than looking a mess. Remember the evergreen; first appearance matters a lot? Show up looking great if you are going to show up.

6. Don’t Talk About How Great You Are

The conversation on a first date should be two sided, not just a party doing all the talking about how great they are at things, how often they workout, etc. Your date doesn’t want to be bored with everything about you, and what you have done or will do. They want to be listened to, respected and engaged with. That’s not too much to ask for right?

7. Don’t Push for Intimacy

It's a first date, and this means you and your potential lover are just getting to know each other, and it'll be advisable to focus on that initially. Touching and any other intimate activities may put any of the party off, and this may make your date feel unsafe or uncomfortable around you.

A first date is an opportunity to make to set the ball rolling for a successful relationship, and this is why it’s important that it is successful. The tips listed above will definitely help you in having a successful first date, and you should probably move on to a second date soon.