Beginner Guide

The Best First Date Tips For Women

I’ll never forget my first blind date. I showed up to the restaurant half an hour early and waited in my car hoping to sneak a look at the guy I’d been talking to for months online. Only he saw me first. I didn’t know until he came and knocked on my car window with a shy smile. “Well, this is awkward,” he said. He was right.

But despite the rocky start, we actually had a great time getting to know one another that evening, and I realized dating wasn’t as intimidating as I’d imagined. (And it could even be fun!) Once I got the hang of it, going on a first date was a major confidence booster. So to help you learn from my experience and expertise, I put together a few best practices for single ladies going on a first date.

Here are seven first date tips for women that will help you make a terrific first impression on your next night out:

1. Plan ahead and go in feeling confident and relaxed.
First dates can make some people feel anxious or awkward, so it’s best to do whatever you can ahead of time to make sure you feel at ease while you’re on the date. Maybe that means jamming out to your get-psyched playlist beforehand. Maybe it means looking up creative conversation starters or researching your date’s interests on their social media accounts.

Your first-date prep doesn’t have to be all that in-depth. It’s just anything that’ll save you time and stress. If you’re going to a restaurant, maybe look up the menu and pick out what you want so you’re not buried in the menu for the first portion of the date. If you’re going to a museum, maybe look up some fun facts to share with in case the conversation stalls. Whatever it takes to make you feel prepared and at ease. A little effort can go a long way.

2. Dress appropriately and be comfortable.
When going through your closet for first-date attire, my advice is to keep it simple. You don’t want to go all out on a first date. Wear something nice, but not too nice. Don’t show up to a coffee date looking like you’re going to the club. Instead, dress in a casual outfit you would wear any day of the week. I always pick out my favorite v-neck and flattering jeans, but that’s just me. If you rock high heels on a daily basis or don’t feel like yourself without eyeliner, then go for it. (Just make sure you’re not going hiking on your date.)

See also  12 First Date Conversation Tips That Won't Make You Seem Weird

Be you. A good first-date outfit reflects who you are, where you are, and what you want. All in all, you should aim to be comfortable in whatever you have on during a first date because if you’re not comfortable that’s going to distract both you and your date.

3. Let someone know where you’re going.
This is particularly important for women who are online dating. Always text or call a friend or family member to tell them where you’re meeting your first date (you should never let someone you don’t know drive you), what that person’s name is, and when you expect to be home. That way, you know someone has your back and can keep an eye out for you at the end of the night.

As an added bonus, when you get home, you can follow up with your friend to gush or vent about how the date went, so you’re not going through these experiences alone.

4. Take a deep breath and (ya, I’m going to say it) be yourself.
When singles meet on a dating app, they usually exchange a few brief messages before arranging a meet-up ASAP. That first date is your introduction to a love interest, so it’s normal to be nervous or excited about it. Don’t let those feelings trip you up though. Being authentically and unapologetically yourself is always going to score you points with dates who are tired of phonies and want to date someone real. You don’t have to like everything your date likes. You don’t have to pretend to be the ideal woman. Just try to relax, keep and open mind, and act like you’re talking to a close friend.

See also  7 Online Dating Tips to Help You Attract Interesting People

5. Try to avoid serious or controversial conversation topics.
Some people say you should never ever talk about exes, religion, or politics on a first date. Personally, I don’t think it’s all that cut and dry, and I’m not alone. A survey of 5,500 Americans revealed that 80% of singles think any topic is fair game on a first date. It won’t kill the mood to mention an ex in passing or ask a question about your date’s political stances. After all, if the issue is important to you, you should make sure you’re on the same page.

What can ruin a date is talking for too long about a serious topic. You can make your date feel uncomfortable by getting into difficult discussions about family issues, religious beliefs, or something too personal to share with a total stranger. First date conversations should linger on positive topics and give a wide berth to sticky subjects like how much money someone makes or what’s wrong with the dating scene.

6. Look out for red flags.
Don’t go into a first date with a checklist—you never know when someone who’s totally not your type could surprise you—but you should have some idea about what you want in a romantic interest. For instance, if you have cats, it’s not a good sign if your date has a cat allergy or is a dog person. Or, if you’re a left-wing environmentalist, you may not get along with someone who shows up to a date in an SUV and “I heart the GOP” bumper sticker. It’s up to you to decide how important these issues are to you, and whether you’re willing to work around them.

Red flags are different than dealbreakers because red flags have to do with matters of personal safety. A red flag would be your date talking about having suicidal thoughts or drinking heavily while you sip water. It’s a warning sign, and you shouldn’t ignore it if your date demonstrates aggressive, addictive, or unstable behavior on a first date. You should run the opposite direction.

See also  Dating Ideas In Atlanta | Loveawake.com blog

7. Have an exit strategy and a wind-down routine.
Ultimately, how you end a date will determine if there’s going to be a second date. When you seem like you’re trying to escape or leave too abruptly, that sends a pretty bleak don’t-ever-call-me signal to your date. If that’s your intention, then make your excuses and get out of there. Maybe treat yourself to ice cream or a shopping spree on your way home. (Hey, you earned it.)

However, if you want to see this guy again, the end of the night is the perfect moment to set up a second date or exchange contact information. Your goal is to set expectations for how you want to proceed. As in, “This was fun, let me know if you want to hang out again. I’m free this weekend.”” It’s simple, it’s clear, and it doesn’t leave the poor guy wondering what you want from him. You’ll probably be able to tell from his body language and how he responds if he’s feeling what you’re feeling. Don’t read too much into it if he doesn’t go for a kiss on the first date—not all guys feel comfortable making a move so soon.

Going on a first date can feel nerve-wracking, but by embracing the experience—awkwardness and all—you open yourself up to some incredibly fun and romantic moments. Even those initial missteps can seem endearing when you’re with the right person. So relax and focus on having a good time on your next first date.

Amber Brooks is a Contributing Editor at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being “boy crazy,” but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating expert. As an English major in college, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about topics that interest her. Now with a background in writing, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com.

Source link

Related Articles

188 Comments

  1. Howdy! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I had to ask. Does building a well-established blog like yours take a lot of work? I’m completely new to blogging but I do write in my diary daily. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  2. Very good website you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

  3. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Cheers!

  4. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  5. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  6. Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other folks consider concerns that they plainly do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as welland also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  7. Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is a very smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  8. constantly i used to read smaller posts which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading at this place.

  9. Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same for you.

  10. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  11. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

  12. whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Stay up the good work! You realize, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.

  13. Heya! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I had to ask. Does running a well-established blog like yours take a lot of work? I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary daily. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  14. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  15. My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  16. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers

  17. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now 😉

  18. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  19. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness for your publish is simply spectacular and i can think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post. Thank you one million and please continue the rewarding work.

  20. You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I have read anything like this before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that’s needed on the web, someone with some originality!

  21. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their sites.

  22. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  23. This is the right website for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want toHaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for many years. Excellent stuff, just great!

  24. First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thank you!

  25. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vibrant transparent concept

  26. I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  27. I blog frequently and I really appreciate your content. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  28. After looking into a number of the blog articles on your site, I really like your way of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  29. I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, however I assumed this submit was good. I don’t recognise who you’re however definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already. Cheers!

  30. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am going through problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  31. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job, have a nice weekend!

  32. Ищете надежного подрядчика для устройства стяжки пола в Москве? Обращайтесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.

  33. Хотите получить идеально ровный пол без лишних затрат? Обратитесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по стяжке пола м2 по доступной стоимости, а также устройству стяжки пола под ключ в Москве и области.

  34. Не знаете, какой подрядчик выбрать для устройства стяжки пола? Обратитесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой площади и сложности, а также гарантируем высокое качество работ и доступные цены.

  35. Не знаете, какой подрядчик выбрать для устройства стяжки пола? Обратитесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой площади и сложности, а также гарантируем высокое качество работ и доступные цены.

  36. Нужная услуга для идеальной отделки интерьера- это механизированная штукатурка стен. На mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru предлагаются только самые качественные услуги.

  37. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  38. Улучшайте интерьер дома с mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Машинная штукатурка поможет перемены быстро и без лишних усилий.

  39. Ощутите разницу с профессиональной штукатуркой механизированная от mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Процесс быстрый и чистый.

  40. First off I want to say great blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Cheers!

  41. Ищете надежного подрядчика для механизированной штукатурки стен в Москве? Обратитесь к нам на сайт mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по оштукатуриванию стен механизированным способом любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем высокое качество работ.

  42. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  43. Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

  44. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!

  45. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  46. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation however I find this topic to be really something which I feel I would never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very large for me. I am looking forward for your next publish, I will try to get the hang of it!

  47. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m satisfied to show that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much certainly will make certain to don?t put out of your mind this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

  48. hey there and thank you for your information I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this site, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon.

  49. One of the leading academic and scientific-research centers of the Belarus. There are 12 Faculties at the University, 2 scientific and research institutes. Higher education in 35 specialities of the 1st degree of education and 22 specialities.

  50. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche. Wonderful blog!

  51. Hi, I believe your site could be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful website!

  52. Nice blog here! Also your site a lot up fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate link on your host? I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  53. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m satisfied to show that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much definitely will make certain to don?t forget this web site and give it a look on a continuing basis.

  54. Hello, I do think your site might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great blog!

  55. I am extremely inspired with your writing talents and alsosmartly as with the layout for your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to peer a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  56. “Строительство автомойки” возлагает на нас полную ответственность за проект, включая выбор оборудования, стандарты безопасности и управление проектом.

  57. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You understand therefore significantly with regards to this matter, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it’s something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always take care of it up!

  58. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The total glance of your web site is fantastic, let alonewell as the content!

  59. Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button