First dates are lots of fun, but they can also be pretty nerve wracking. If you’re on a first date with someone you really like and want to impress, it’s hard to know exactly what to do to bag yourself that second date. Here are a few pointers to make sure you set yourself up for first date success.
Dear Dan and Jennifer,
I have a lot of trouble with first dates – I always seem to ruin them! How can stop screwing up my first dates and start having second and third dates?
–Steven, Alaska
1. Nix The Ex Factor
Don’t talk about your ex. At all! Don’t let your first date think you’re still hung up on your ex or you’re bitter towards the opposite sex in general. It will totally turn your first date off and make them want to find an exit fast!
2. Don’t Talk About Finances
Make finances one of the taboo topics, right along with religion and politics. Your date doesn’t want to hear about your financial woes and envision having to use his life savings to dig you out of debt and you don’t want to risk bragging about your financial success before you know that your date happens to be a starving artist.
3. Don’t Dress Too Provocatively
If you’re looking to hop into bed and make this date a mere booty call, feel free to dress as provocatively as you want. If you’re looking to start a relationship, definitely turn down the heat on your first date outfit. They’ll spend less time ogling you and more time getting to know you.
4. Let Information Out, Keep Baggage In
If you have kids, you don’t want to keep it from your first date. They definitely need to know the basics when it comes to sharing information. If you have a lot of baggage though, especially family baggage, it’s best to leave all baggage checked at the gate before your first date.
5. Let Your Date Talk About Them
It might sound cliché, but listen to your date talk- it’s the best way to guarantee a second date! Men do enjoy talking about themselves, and if you let them at it, they’ll want another date to learn more about you.
6. Be Genuine and Caring
The best thing you can do on a first date is to come off genuine and caring. It’s not hard -just be genuine and caring! Let your date know that you’re having a good time and you enjoy being with them, and let them see that you’re a down to earth and caring person. Don’t dwell on negative topics, situations or issues on a first date and try to focus on the positive. Wear your best accessory – your smile – and watch your first date become the start of lots of fun and exciting opportunities!
7. Don’t Have Sex On The First Date!
As tempting as it may be, having sex on the first date is the surest way to turn a potential relationship into a booty call. If you put out on the first date, it’s likely that your date won’t call you back – well, unless it’s for more “first date” fun. Keep it in your pants and wait until whatever date feels more comfortable to you to hop in bed – whether it’s the third or the thirteenth.
Even though first dates can be rough, they can also be a lot of fun if you’re open to it. Try to calm those first date jitters and don’t try to hard to impress. Just focus on being yourself and enjoying yourself, letting your good personality shine through. Listen to your date and avoid negative topics and you’ve got a great start to a great first date.