10 Tips To Make a Great Impression on a First Date

You can’t change a first impression, which is why it’s so important to mind your manners on a first date. Here are a couple tips that will eliminate the jitters and make sure you leave in good standing!

1. Take Your Own Car

It’s always safer to take your own car on a first date. It alleviates any pressure of going home with someone, or having to stick around if that date takes a terrible turn for the worse. Also, let someone know where you’re going. It’s always better to be safe!

2. Don’t Be Late

Be considerate and make sure you’re on time for your first date. No one likes to sit around and wait, especially if it’s for someone they don’t know! Check the clock and be ready a little early if possible. It will show that you take the date seriously, and that you’re not self-centered. If you have no respect for the other person’s time, you may send off that vibe.

3. Spend Extra Time

While you definitely don’t want to be late, you should also allocate some extra time to make sure you look your best. Take the time to grab a fresh shower, style your hair and do your makeup. You don’t need to use an entire can of hair spray or cake on the concealer, but take the time and energy to look as good for them as you’d want them to look for you!

4. Dress Appropriately

On a first date, the last thing you want to do is look sleazy. Take the extra time to pick an outfit that is flattering on you, a good fit for the venue and even a little more conservative than normal. You can’t redo the impact you make on someone. If you go into it looking like you’re expecting your date to get a little frisky, it’ll be tough to get the lucky guy to take you seriously.

5. Turn of Technology

No one likes to be ignored. Turn your phone off and dedicate your attention to the person you’re out with. You’d probably get annoyed if your date spent the whole time on their phone, so give them the same respect. Your phone, texts, and Facebook updates will all be readily available as soon as you leave!

6. Relax

This is a tough one. Letting the situation intimidate you will only do you a disservice. It’s easy to notice that someone is uncomfortable, but difficult to know the reason why. Stressing and showing your nerves will make the person you’re with feel like they are the cause of your anxiety. That’s just asking for a panic-filled evening!

7. Engage In Conversation

Obviously you’re going to be chatting away on a date, but make sure you don’t focus everything on yourself. Show interest in your date’s life, and get to know their likes and dislikes. The conversation shouldn’t be an interrogation, but make sure it’s not one-sided. You’ll end up leaving realizing the only person you got to know was yourself, which will do you no good at all when deciding whether or not to go on a second date!

8. Don’t Drink

Having one alcoholic drink is alright on a first date, but absolutely no more than that! Even if you have a heck of a tolerance, it just sends the wrong message. The last thing you want to do is get distracted and guzzle down more than you can handle. You also don’t want to compromise your judgment. You’re just learning who this person is, and what their character is like. Pace yourself!

9. Offer To Pay

Yes, typically the guy is expected to pick up the check, but it shows you’re a decent human being if you at least offer to pay for something. Whether it’s the glass of wine you had with dinner or dessert, try to offer. Most gentlemen will insist on paying, but they will definitely appreciate the fact that you offered.

10. Backup Plan/Extra Ideas

It’s always best to be prepared for the worst. If your reservations get lost or the movie is sold out, have some other ideas in mind. Whether it’s knowing there’s a great burger joint around the corner or just a great place to grab coffee, always have some solutions.