Are you having cold feet before your first date? We’ve all been there. Thinking of what to say, how to appear, or what personality to present. Sometimes, we overcomplicate things and feel unmotivated before the date. On the other hand, we shy away from going out on dates due to our previous experience. This article breaks down the preparation process for a date to elevate your confidence. So, what are these date preparation tips?
1. Have a plan
This is an obvious approach. Plan the location, activity, and questions to ask. Imagine going on a date like a job interview. At a job interview, the employer is curious to learn more about your personality, values, and beliefs. You can set a goal you want to achieve after your first date. Yet, you should aim at getting to know your date.
Research open-ended questions that spark your interest. Also, try to be flexible and creative with your questioning so you don’t appear cliche. Check out verbal games you and your date could indulge in to avoid awkward silence and elevate the vibe. Having a plan helps boost your confidence before your first date.
2. Prepare Your Mind
You should prepare your mind through meditation. If you can’t meditate for long, start with 10 minutes. During this meditation, you make a positive statement that elevates how you feel. For example, you can say, “I’m an interesting and engaging person.” Positive reaffirmation goes a long way toward making you feel amazing on a first date.
Another way to prepare your mind is self-care. You can get your hair done, indulge in foods or fruits that make you feel good, and apply makeup that makes you confident. Self-care helps you be mindful of your appearance and how you want your date to perceive you.
According to Hey Saturday, you should take a deep breath if you’re prone to anxiety or nervousness. This practice is part of the three relaxation techniques that calm your mind before the date. Visualization techniques and progressive muscle relaxation are also techniques that can be used to calm your nerves.
3. Prepare Your Appearance
This part is about what you want to wear. Your goal here is to make an outstanding first impression. First impression matters because it determines whether you’ll go on a second date – given that you find common ground with your date. On the other hand, planning what to wear gets complicated, especially when you start overthinking.
One way you can decide what to wear is through the location. Did you book your first date in an exclusive restaurant? You can go formal and simple. If your location plan is an outdoor setting, then a semi-formal outfit should do the trick. Remember to choose an outfit that shows your authentic self. If you like a simple dressing style, then avoid flashy outfits. The more authentic you are with your dressing style, the more confident and comfortable you’ll be during the date.
What Not to Discuss on a First Date
You’ve planned your date, your mind is calm, and you’re comfortable with your outfit. What next? To avoid a boring first date experience, avoid discussing politics, sex, and religion. Instead, you should be open-minded and show more interest in your date. Don’t forget that an ideal first date goal is to try and find a connection or spark.
Final Thoughts
You can have the perfect plan, elevate your mindset, and wear the best outfit to impress. Yet, these tips won’t guarantee a successful first date. You need to be present in the moment to increase your chance of having a good date. Avoid distractions from your phone and maintain good body language. Also, be a good listener. People love talking about themselves. So when you ask your date a question, follow up with another question from their answer.
