How to Survive a First Date

How to Survive a First Date

There is a very basic rule for the first date: If you want to get a second date, don't screw up the first one! This guide will help you make your first date successful.

For those that don't date often, or have never dated at all, the prospect of going out on a first date with someone who could very well be the 'significant other' in your life can be exciting and intimidating at the same time.

Be prepared. Be natural, be yourself and, above all else, don't do any of the following 'do nots' on your first date.

Setting up the first date:

Do not spend more than 5-10 minutes on the phone setting up the date. You'll want to leave something to talk about when you meet.

Do not make it a morning date because it reminds us too much of work. Lunches are too informal. Choose early evening so that if you like each other it will give you more time to do things together.

Do not select a movie where you can't talk. Public places and restaurants are safe. Do not go to quiet, secluded places. Keep your first date as public as possible.

Do not go to bars or nightclubs. There are too many people and too much activity which could create a distraction from your date, particularly if you have friends dropping by.

Do not go to bookstores or malls. Those are the places where you meet, not where you go on a date.

Do not make it a coffee date. Direct eye contact can make people uncomfortable, so a nice restaurant or long walk would be good for having casual conversation.

Preparing for the first date:

Do not dress too casual, but don't overdress. Do not wear sandals, sneakers, or sweats.

Do not look like a slob. Make sure your hair and appearance are neat and clean. Don't go overboard on jewelry.

Do not leave home without your breath mints and do not smoke on the way to your date so you smell like an ashtray.

Do not be late. This is a biggie! It's far better to be early than it is to be late.

Conversation & Etiquette on the first date:

Do not take over the conversation. Listen and pay attention to what the other party is saying. Never, ever yawn while the other person is talking. Never!

Do not have long conversations about your children, previous lovers or mates, pets, or crazy hobbies. Discussions about past relationships and marriages are suicidal. Do not bring talk about your sex life - past, present, or future!

Do not talk about any medication(s) you may be taking.

Do not sit and say nothing. Be proactive and communicate. Make a list of things to talk about ahead of time.

Do not chew with your mouth open, or hold your eating utensils like you'd hold your toothbrush. And do not drink too much, or swear.

Do not talk about politics or religion and keep the conversation light and fun, so any conversation about bad family experiences, funerals and sadness is out of the question.

Do not stand your date up. If something does come up where you're going to be late, or can't make it, call ... and the earlier the better.

Do not ever, ever, ever offend your date. There is no excuse, or reason, for hurting anybody's feelings.

Follow these simple guidelines and you will successfully survive your first date.. and may be on your way to the second one.

Comments (3)

NOSTRUS
Makes it sound like a minefield ....of don't and possible fails. Most of it we know but some things like politics religion if it did come up and its a deal breaker at least you'll know you won't want a second date anyway if someone is totally at odds with your politics or religion. Come to think of it find out beforehand of they're a rabid right wing god fearing type and spare yourself the effort .
michaelright
Just wondering is there anything I can do then ??? or shall I be the perfect human ...
Respect2020
I have been on many first dates. Mostly it came to a second date and more. As I read your guide, I do wonder what to talk about. But somehow I do succeed.

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