For many people, first dates are as nerve-racking as they are exciting. If you click, the first date could be the beginning of a fulfilling relationship…or you might find out you have no chemistry and it’s not going to work out. Although you can’t control the outcome, there’s a lot you can do to put your best foot forward and make a good impression. At Together NH, we don’t just match people up and leave them to it. We also offer dating coaching and advice to help singles in New Hampshire begin and form lasting relationships.
Here are some tips from our New Hampshire dating coaches to help you dispel your first date jitters.
Dress well, but stay comfortable.
Although we all know beauty is more than skin-deep, your appearance is a big part of the first impression you make on someone. You want to dress well, but pick clothes appropriate for the venue and that you are comfortable wearing. You wouldn’t wear a cocktail dress to a coffee shop or a hoodie to a nice restaurant. Wearing comfortable clothes is also important so you can focus on getting to know your date rather than fidgeting with your clothing.
Timing is everything.
There’s a lot of timing that goes into a first date. How long after you meet should you decide to go out? How much time should there be between agreeing to go out and actually meeting up? Should you set a time limit for the date itself? There are no set answers to these questions, but a general answer that covers all of them is “not too long.” You don’t want to string each other along, wondering how interested you are in pursuing the relationship. When it comes to scheduling the date, the closest time you are both free is usually the best choice. Regarding the duration of the date itself, you don’t want it to drag on indefinitely but don’t make the other person feel like you are cutting it short, especially if it is going well.
Go with the flow.
Staying relaxed and flexible is key to a good first date. Let the conversation flow naturally. Don’t shy away from important topics, but don’t try to force the conversation in a certain direction, either. You also shouldn’t feel locked into your plans. For example, if you agree to meet at a local bar neither of you has visited before, but it’s too loud to have a conversation, it’s okay to suggest going somewhere else. The point of a first date is to get to know each other, so change your plans to make that easier and more comfortable if necessary.
