The dating scene is not for everyone, and for those who are not all that comfortable with the idea, going on a date can be a difficult ‘task.’ It doesn’t have to be like that, however. You only need a little preparation – both mental and physical – to enjoy yourself while on a date.
With these easy tips, you can – and you will – see dating in a different light!
1. Bear in mind that it takes time.
In spite of the fact that we are living in an ‘instant’ society, where people want everything done and served in the wink of an eye, we cannot deny that there are certain things that take time. Getting to know people via dating is one of them. While there are people who make an instant connection on the first date, this is not always the case. Whether you have been involved in the dating scene for a while or you haven’t really gone out for a long time, the principle remains the same: dating takes time and the sooner you accept that, the better off you will be. Do not set unrealistic expectations – from yourself, your date, and the whole set up. Once you fully understand this concept, you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself more easily – even on your first date.
2. Learn to share what you truly love.
One reason some people have an aversion to dating is the fact that they do not feel comfortable opening up to other people. If you do decide to try dating, however, you have to learn how to share parts of yourself. I am not saying that you tell your date your whole life story or your deepest fears and desires. All I am saying is that you have to be authentic and share real things about yourself.
You can start with hobbies that you are truly passionate about. In doing so, you will get to learn if you and your date have common interests and life principles that can bind you together. If you don’t find common ground or you find that your passions do not match, then consider it a learning experience.
3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – looks.
The problem with many people today is that they put too much stock on physical appearance. While that is important (see next tip), you cannot really put all your eggs in that basket. Do you really want to be dating someone who looks awesome but is stupid? I am sure some people will say yes to that, but the chances are that people who are looking for serious and meaningful companionship will also be looking for other qualities aside from physical appearance. If you are serious about meeting a partner, I suggest that you make yourself look presentable but don’t dwell on that too much.
4. Don’t totally neglect your appearance either!
Of course looks matter! Even the person who says that he or she doesn’t put a premium on physical appearance will still, at the basest level, consider the other person’s appearance. That being said, you should at least make an effort to look good for your date. Get a haircut if you want to. Wear your most attractive pieces of clothing. Whatever you do, make sure you’re doing it so that you feel good and confident about your appearance.
5. Bear in mind that your date is probably nervous, too.
Singles who go out on dates might have the problem of nerves. This is but understandable, and it is up to you to control that. One thing that may help is to think what your date is going through. He or she is probably experience a similar situation. If you think about your date as human just like you – human with faults and nerves – then you just might feel a little bit more confident.
6. Put your mobile phone on silent.
Here’s a very very practical tip – don’t let your phone be a distraction. In this day and age where people would sit together at a table and text other people, it may seem acceptable. But really now, would you want to be doing that on a date? Here is your chance to meet another person, to interact and potentially have a partner. Why would you want your cell phone to get in the way?
7. Do something that will lift your spirits prior to the date.
Here’s another tip that will help boost your confidence before a date. You may be getting involved in the dating scene to find happiness via companionship, but you need to have positive vibes in order to attract other people. As such, make sure that you engage in activities that will make you feel good from the outset. Go to the spa, get a massage, listen to happy music – whatever it is that makes you happy, go ahead and do it. By the time you go out on your date, you will be exuding positive vibes that your date cannot ignore.
8. Be open to spontaneous moments.
If you’re like me, you probably like plans. You do know, however, that plans have a way of going awry. My suggestion is that you should have a loose idea of what you want to do, how you want to deal with things. At the same time, you should be open to the idea of spontaneity. If something comes up during the date that is not according to your plan, but you feel that it’s alright to go ahead and do it, then don’t let your plan stop you!
9. Show genuine interest.
You want your date to show genuine interest in you and what you have to say, right? Then do the same thing. Do not allow yourself to space out or to interrupt. When your date is speaking, hear him or her out. If, at the end of the night, you really just don’t find him or her that interesting, then that’s the end of it.