Top 10 tips for a date to remember
A smooth-sailing date can mean only one thing: the chance to hook up again with that someone special for dates two, three, four ... and then who knows.
How can you avoid any first date hiccups? Follow the top 10 first date tips from dating expert Rebecca Attenborough of Fast Impressions and leave your date wishing for more, not wondering how to escape!
Tip 1: Be punctual — Your date may be nervous too and sitting around waiting only makes it worse. If your date is the one who's running behind schedule, be pleasant and listen to their reason — it might be legitimate.
Tip 2: Keep first date jitters in check — First date jitters are only natural; take a long, deep breath, hold your head high and tell yourself you're not nervous, just excited!
Tip 3: Accept compliments graciously — A little self-confidence can be an incredible turn-on, so if your date compliments you, don't brush it off, say thank you and avoid putting yourself down.
Tip 4: Be a good conversationalist — We all worry about those awkward silent moments. If you're concerned about topics of conversation, have a little stash of failsafe intriguing topics to talk about if nerves get the better of you. Or brush up on worldly events by reading a newspaper or watching a news program that day.
Tip 5: Listen, it's not all about you! — Be polite, ask lots of questions and listen to your date. Genuinely being interested will show you're keen.
Tip 6: Focus on the person — Focus on what your date has to offer from the inside (give the exterior stuff a rest). If you stay focused on looks, you may end up dismissing a fantastic person without really giving them a chance.
Tip 7: Be creative in planning your date — Make your date something a little more out of the ordinary than a trip to the pub or a meal. Why not try a sporting event neither one of you has ever seen live: a professional tennis match, golf tournament, volleyball, cricket match, sumo-wrestling — whatever you can agree on doing together that's different, fun and can make a great talking point!
Tip 8: Watch the alcohol — One drink prior to the date may calm the nerves but don't overdo the Dutch courage. It's a good idea to watch your alcohol intake during the date as sometimes nerves cause faster drinking!
Tip 9: Be positive — Smile and be positive! Radiating positivity is one sure way to keep your date interested; after all, who wants to date a misery! A few well-placed smiles, a happy attitude, some (non-erotic!) jokes here and there and you can win someone's heart faster than a grumpy supermodel look-alike. Whatever you do, make sure you look like you are enjoying yourself!
Tip 10: Feel your best — Rather than rushing straight from work and bringing the stress of your day with you, make some time for yourself before the date to put you in a positive headspace. Do something to make yourself feel sexy and confident, whether that's a workout, full body wax or a blow-dry, whatever makes you feel your best.
Put these tips into practice and soon you'll lose count of which date you're on! Or why not put your first date etiquette into practise at a Fast Impressions Speed Dating event with 10 first dates in one night.
Exclusive offer: $10 off for ninemsn readers.
