There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable, nerve-wracking, and painfully embarrassing as a first date can sometimes be.
Those first moments are always a bit stressful whether you met on Tinder or from across a bar.
However, first dates can also be wonderful, too.
Who knows, you might even meet the love of your life on your next one!
If you are ready to become a first-date pro, look no further.
Share something personal about yourself
Unsure of how to build a stronger connection with your date?
Pay them a compliment
You’ve probably heard it before a compliment can go a long way.
Think back to the last time someone told you that you looked nice?
Or that time when someone complimented you for your kindness or intelligence?
And that’s not all.
By getting into the habit of giving compliments, you may start to feel happier and calmer yourself.
“Being complimentary helps us create an optimistic, happier outlook,” psychotherapist Marcia Naomi Berger toldNBC News.
So, what kind of compliments should you use?
With a unique, thoughtful compliment, your date will know that you really mean it.
Use engaging body language
A successful date isn’t just about the flow of the conversation.
Body language plays a huge part in making our first dates feel either super awkward or incredibly exciting.
Focus on keeping steady eye contact and facing your date with your body.
Nod along while they’re speaking and smile or laugh when it feels appropriate.
Basically, show that you’re engaged and interested and approachable.
According to Jeremy Nicholson, ie.
“Ask them to do something for you.
This could even be something small like, ‘Could you grab me a straw?'”
Start your conversation with a simple “Hello, how are you.”
Ask them a question to get the conversation going
When in doubt, ask a question.
Asking a question will get your date talking and potentially spur a whole new line of conversation.
What makes a good first-date question?
According to dating coach Clara Artschwager, it can be pretty much anything.
“I just venture to get someone talking.”
This can quickly lighten the mood and give you and your date a chance to show your fun sides.
Depending on the nature and location of your date, you could try playing a few different games.
By sharing a laugh, you and your date will relax and feel a little more at ease.
“A joke is a very common and effective ice breaker,” relationship expertCallisto Adamstold The List.
Her advice was to crack a joke about your surroundings.
“Observational comedy can be a hit,” she said.
“Finding humor in the present environment around you engages your date and increases experiential intimacy.”
Therefore, we recommend keeping your first date short and sweet.
venture to avoid questions you might hear from a potential employer like, “Where do you work?”
or “Where did you go to school?”
Instead, as dating expert Susan Trombetti toldBustle, you should ask wackier questions on a first date.
“Don’t get too serious.
Just have light, fun conversations.”
Relationship expertCallisto Adamsagreed and suggested that fun activities can help to remove that job interview vibe.
Pretty sound advice if you ask us!
For example, “Were Ross and Rachel on a break?”
tends to get people into a quick passionate debate.
So sometimes, making some preparations is a good idea.
Therefore, she recommends preparing a few topics in advance.
‘Have a few topics in your mind before you go out on your first date," she suggested.
“Something that’ll seem unforced and something you’re genuinely passionate or curious about.”
A dating expert atLCAHoustonalso agreed that making some preparations can help you steer clear of any awkwardness.
While it may feel a little forced, it may save you some stress later.
You may need a pre-date social warm-up.
Grab a coffee with a friend or give a family member a call on the way to the date.
This will help you get used to speaking out loud and get your socializing muscles in working order.
Then, when you sit down with your date, you’ll find that the conversation flows more naturally.
Go to a coffee shop and talk to the barista.
Sign up for bootcamp at the gym.
Heck, go to the grocery store and chat with the clerk if nothing else."
In other words, find someone to have a quick warm-up chat with before the date.
Let it be awkward if it’s awkward
Unfortunately, first-date awkwardness is sometimes an inevitability.
“Awkwardness on a first date is normal and very common,” relationship expertCallisto Adamstold us.
Nothing is worse than trying to gloss over awkwardness or pretend it isn’t there.
In fact, it will probably just make things feel more awkward than ever.
According to dating coach Clara Artschwager, communicating honestly is sometimes the best policy.
