A first date can be tricky. You want to make a great first impression and you want to have a good time. However, you don’t necessarily want to go all out on your first date, because you never know if the attraction or chemistry is there, especially on a blind date or a date set up through the internet.
That being said it is important to live by some semblance of rules in order to make the best impression possible, since you may end up really liking the other person.
In a sense, having a set of rules governing your dating life will help to make sure that no matter what date you are on, a first or a tenth, it ends up being a good one. While some people are all about impressing their potential partners, it is also important to simply be a good person and following a set of rules when it comes to dating will showcase the kind of person you will be in the long run.
Be punctual
Try not to be late, especially on a first date. Much like when it comes to work, being late leaves a bad impression. Your date’s time is just as important as your own and it is important to appreciate this. While things do happen if something is going to delay you making it to your date on time, make sure you let the other person know. Not being timely when it comes to making it to your date shows a lack of care and concern that will definitely not impress the person you are dating.
Look your best
Make sure you care about your appearance when you go out on a date. It is not only about showing off your looks, but also a way to show you respect the other person. Showing up in dirty or torn clothing is not a sign of caring and it can leave a bad taste in your date’s mouth, especially if they went to a lot of trouble to look nice for the date with you. Even if you are not sure about what appropriate date attire might be, you can always reach out and get an idea of where your date will be taking place and if you need to dress more formally or casually.
Never stand your date up
While it should not even need to be said, it is important not to stand your date up or walk out on them. Even if you don’t think the chemistry is there or even an attraction, this is a person who took the time out of their schedule to meet you. If the same thing happened to you, you would not only be upset but also hurt. At the same time, make the most of the date and be on your best behavior. This person may not end up being a person you want as a partner, but they might end up being a good friend or even a business acquaintance in the long run.
Never get drunk, especially on a first date
Even when you know your limits, it is never a good idea to drink so much on a date that you get to a point where you feel tipsy or worse. At most you might drink one or two glasses of liquor while eating our meal, but anything more is probably not a good idea. You want to make a strong first impression and not being in full control of your faculty’s means you won’t be able to do that. Not only will you likely embarrass yourself, but it is not a good way to show what kind of person you are to someone you were hoping to impress.
Mind your manners
It should go without saying, but it is important to have manners and use them. This is not just about behaving a certain way; it is also about showing your date that you have respect for them. Both men and women have been taught manners and on any date, they should be utilized.
Be respectful of personal space
While you might reach out and touch your date on the arm or offer a hug when you first meet, it is important to respect your date’s personal space. Never get touchy feely with a date unless they are also getting touchy feely. Much like it is important to mind your manners, it is also important to pay attention to boundaries. Some people do not like being touched by people they are not familiar with or who are new. Over time, you might build up to being more hands on, but on a first date, it is never okay to get too handsy.
Be honest and sincere
It is important to be sincere and honest, even when complimenting your date. Trying to impress your date won’t go over well if you get caught in a lie or if you come across as fake. Be yourself and be honest, it makes a much better impression than false compliments and lies.
At the end of the day, these are guidelines that are just as important in life as they are in dating. When you are hoping to get a second date or get to know someone better, it is all about putting your best foot forward and showing that you are someone that other people want to know.
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