Every once in a while, you go on a first date, and what do you know? You hit it off, and you want to follow it up with a 2nd and 3rd date. However, there are some things you need to do during the first date to ensure that you improve the chances of getting a follow-up date and that those dates also go well.
Groom yourself and make an effort
The first impression you make happens before you even open your mouth. Yes, you may prefer to hang out in sweat pants and t-shirts, but on a date, you need to show that you have taken the time and effort to look your best because it speaks volumes about how you treat and respect others. You don’t need to go in smelling like a perfume factory, nor do you have to be dressed like George Clooney to make a positive impression. For ladies, go for understated elegance; there is too much lipstick or eye shadow, and dressing in your new-age clothes can be a bit intimidating for a guy not used to new-age thinking.
Be interested in them, not you.
There’s no more significant turnoff than someone yapping on about themselves and how wonderful they are for the entire evening. The date is about finding out about the other person, not a platform for you to list every achievement since high school! Be conscious of how much you are talking about yourself and try and turn the conversation around by asking, “how about you?”
Lose the baggage
Every one of us has life baggage to carry, but a first date is not the time to mention it! Nothing (well, OK, apart from having BO) will ruin your chances of a second date more than talking about your ex and how bad the breakup was. This is about your future, not your past so focus on the good things in your life and what steps you are taking to improve your life. Talking about negative things could make your date uncomfortable and give them the urge to make a bee-line for the exit!
Tell the truth
If you want a second, third, fourth date with the person, then it’s no use telling them on the first date that you are a partner in a law firm when you actually do the catering for the company. If you are unhappy with the truth, then spin it to a positive by explaining what steps you are taking to improve or what you have learned from the experience. If you get to the fifth date and the other person finds out that something you told them was not true, it affects the whole relationship you’ve built up. Naturally, there are some things that you may need to keep to yourself until the relationship develops, but if you are asked a question and you lie, then it will come back to haunt you.
Sincerely,
High-Priestess Doris