Just as in a job interview, the first few minutes of a date are the most important when it comes to making the best impression possible. After that, I’ve heard people say the next thirty minutes are crucial for creating and building your emotional chemistry. It doesn’t sound like much, so you need to put your game face on if you’re going to be sure that the date is really working out for both of you.
Part of making sure you don’t crash and burn is paying attention to your own look and behaviour when on a date, so consider this a quick brush up on dating essentials:
- Be on time. It’s really simple, just don’t play games. Get there early if you can and use the time to freshen up and soak up the atmosphere. If nothing else it will allow you to catch your breath, use the bathroom and check where the exits are, just in case.
- Look your best. Relax yourself while you’re getting ready with your favourite music and spend the time you need to make yourself look hot. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl, it’s both a matter of respecting yourself and showing some respect for your date not to turn up looking like you’ve just been dragged through the Bush backwards.
- Keep it light and let laughter lift you up. We all love a deep conversation from time to time, but like music and food, some variation and texture makes it all more interesting. Use that sense of humour and light heart to show you’re not taking yourself too seriously as a contrast to any deep philosophy or intellectual debate.
- Tailor your conversations around what you already know about them. Your online flirting and previous web chats should give you an idea about what they’re into, so use that to make sure that you’re staying in each other’s comfort zones.
- Listen and pay attention. The work and kids and friends will still be there later, but your date may not. Again, it’s about respect and engaging with them. If you’re interested, they will be too. There’s nothing worse than a date where you’re both sitting there updating Facebook.
- Ask questions. This should be easy if you’re already listening – and if you don’t understand the answer, ask them to clarify.
- Flutter those eyelids and look into their eyes to get the flirting going. We all love that special chemistry that comes when you’re feeling special so play the game. It doesn’t have to include touching, simply cheeky grins, smiles and those little comments that show you’re having a good time.
Remember to just go with the flow – it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up in bed with each other, it’s just fun. If you’re both having fun, you’ll both be remembering it for all the right reasons, so get out there and enjoy yourselves.