A first date can be nerve racking if you aren’t prepared. Too many dates go into the gutter because the guy is not prepared for the evening. If you have a first date coming up, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration before you walk out the door. First dates are first impressions. We all know how much a first impression counts so you want to make this as smooth as possible. Here is a first date checklist to help you get through the evening without incident.
Schedule The Date
Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, too many dates fall prey to guys forgetting times, where the girl lives and or what day the date is supposed to be on. Don’t miss out on an opportunity for a future relationship because you have forgotten pertinent information. Once you have scheduled the date, write it down on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Hopefully, the girl is good enough that you won’t forget any of this information. However, times and dates can get lost in translation. Make sure that she knows when the date is supposed to occur also.
Make Reservations
This might not apply if you’re simply going out for a drink or heading out to the lake for a day of hiking, but if you’re going to a restaurant, get a reservation. The last thing that you want to do is show up on a Saturday night to find out that there’s a 45-minute wait for a table. Double check the reservation the day of the date to make sure that the restaurant has not made a mistake. You’ll be glad that you did.
Invest In A GPS
How many times have you tried to wing it when looking for a store? This isn’t something that you want to do on a first date. Use a GPS and key in the address an hour before you have to be there. The GPS should give you the estimated time of arrival for the location. This can keep you on schedule. Plan on being a few minutes early. Don’t be 15 minutes early, but a couple of minutes gives you time if there is traffic or accident on the way.
Have Mints/Gum On Hand
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a restaurant or just a walk. Being fresh is key and you’re breath can deteriorate over time. Make sure that you have something to combat this situation. The last thing that you want is to have a sewer system in your mouth when you lean in for a good night kiss.
Remember Your Wallet
You would think this is a given, but there are time when we get so flustered that we rush out of the house without our wallet or our credit card. Make sure that you have your wallet and all of the pertinent methods of paying for the date with you before you leave the house. If you have recently cancelled a credit card, take it out of your wallet. The last thing you want is to have the waiter come back saying that your card was declined.
Dress Appropriately
The date will really determine what you are going to wear. Are you going to a swanky concert or a find restaurant? Dress accordingly and make sure that the clothing is clean. Iron your shirts and pants if needed. Be aware of details that will make you stand out from previous dates she’s had. Don’t choose a shirt with a ring around the collar. Wear a tie if needed. A sport coat is a great way to show that you know how to dress for a formal date. Make sure that she’s aware of any specific attire that she needs. If you’re taking her paddle boating, make sure that she is wearing sneakers. If you’re going to a nice restaurant, make sure that she knows it so she can dress accordingly.
Make After Date Plans
If everything is going well, you might want to have a plan in place for after the date. Dinner is a great way to spend some time with a date, but the restaurant is going to want their table back at some point during the night. A change of venue is exciting anyway. Have somewhere that the two of you can go after the initial phase of the date if it’s called for. Choose something that you will both enjoy. Something as easy as a cup of coffee at a local brewer can work well.
First dates can be dreadful if you aren’t prepared. By following these guidelines you should be well on your way to a second date.