How to Act on a First Date

The first date is, obviously, one of the most important ones! It is important that you make a good first impression. How to act on a first date is probably weighing on your mind. There are a few things to remember, but the most important one is to act like yourself!

Share

You are an interesting person. You have interesting things that have happened to you and stories to tell. You have experiences to share that no one else does. Make use of these! Think of a few of theses things before your date, so you are ready with conversation topics should things start to get quiet.

Eye Contact

Remember to make and keep eye contact. Shifty eyes make you look insecure or worse- dishonest. By avoiding eye contact you might also make your date feel as though you aren't really paying attention to them. There is nothing worse than talking to someone who's eyes are wandering the room, looking for a way out or for someone else to talk to.

Smile!

You'll feel more confident and look better than if you are frowning. People tend to smile back at people who are smiling at them. Besides, you are on a date- what's not to smile about?

Use Good Manners

Manners are important, remember to say please and thank you, and perhaps review some tips on first date etiquette before your date.

Offer to pay for half of the bill. You may or may not be taken up on this, so be sure you have the funds to cover it.

What to Avoid

Try to avoid the usual "job interview" type questions. There are second, third, forth dates and beyond for those. When fired in rapid succession, they can really put a person on the spot and make them feel as though it really is an interview. They can also get boring, for the person doing the asking, as well as the one doing the answering.

Avoid drinking too much. Yes, you are on a date and you should have fun, but remember that you are not out with your friends. This is a first date, after all and you do want to make a good impression. Drunk people tend to be obnoxious. Don't be this person.

End of the Date

Remember to thank the other person for the wonderful day/evening you've shared at the end of your date. If you would like to see them again, let them know. Give them a kiss, if you feel it went well and it would be appropriate.

You could take things further than a kiss, of course. This is completely up to the two of you. We are not saying it should or shouldn't go further, and frankly, this is none of our business. Just be sure that if you do decide to take it further, it's a decision that both of you make together.

Once you have gone on a few first dates, knowing how to act, what to say and just being you without being nervous will start to become easier and easier. Don't worry about being perfect (things usually aren't) and remember that the person sitting across from you is just as nervous and unsure as you are.

To leave How to Act on a First Date and find more information about First Dates, check out the links at the bottom of the Home Page!