Dating 103: The First Date

Congratulations! You found someone who you like, you've smitten them, and now you two are going out together. 

First dates are one of the most nerve-wracking dates you will EVER go on. Really. This is one of the first times you two will spend together learning about each other. It's nerve-wracking; you're not 100% sure about the other person's feelings for you and you're not even sure about your feelings for them. 

Because of the nerves you will most likely feel, you need to make yourself as calm and comfortable as possible. 

Where to go? If they ask you where you want to go, tell them a restaurant you'll know you'll like, or an activity you enjoy. Again, you want to be as comfortable as possible.

What to wear? I’m going to become repetitive with this. Dress comfortably. Jeans and t-shirt. A dress you feel and look great in. Don’t overdress, but also don’t underdress. Don’t wear anything that shows too much skin (personally. There’s enough time for that). An old friend once told me that you should only accent ONE good part of your body on the first date. Meaning, wear a v-neck shirt to show some cleavage OR a short-ish skirt to show off some leg. Don’t do both. This date is about getting to know each other – NOT trying to get into each other pants. Theoretically.

What to talk about? Think about the things that make a person a person. What kind of music do they like? What kind of movies do they watch? What was the last book they read? What’s on their TBR list? Where do they work? What did they do at work today/this week? Ask them about their family, their friends. Ask them about where they’ve travelled to or where they would like to travel. AVOID hostile topics like politics and don’t pry if they say they have a bad relationship with their parents/siblings. Theoretically, the conversation should flow naturally, but think back to these types of questions if there’s a lull in conversation.

Just remember one thing when you go on your first date with someone: you are beautiful. You are amazing. And the right person will see that. You will click with the right person. This is why we date, to find the person we click with and enjoy spending time with.

First dates normally suck. I’m not kidding. I have had more bad first dates than good first dates. But every once in a while, you find someone who you can talk to and who you enjoy spending time with. Just remember that that person is out there, and that you will survive all the bad dates in the world.

ALSO. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT: If you don’t actually know the person (blind date/met online), meet at the place you are having the first date. The getaway car is extremely important.

And don’t forget to keep smiling. =D