Date Successfully As a Teenage Guy
Many guys in their early 'teens' feel uncomfortable when just starting to date. They are not sure of what is expected of them on a 'date'. They are afraid that their date will not like him, and he thinks he would rather not date, than be rejected. You are not alone in these feelings, and this article is meant to help all teenage guys who need advice to date successfully.
Contents
Steps
- Be respectful. First and foremost, your partner will want to feel like you care about them as a person, not as an object.
- Offer to pay for the date. This will make your date feel you like them more than your money. If they decline and would rather go Dutch (splitting the bill), go with what they want. Don't take it personally.
- Be yourself. Your date decided to go out with you and not some other guy for a reason. Whatever you do, don't mislead your date about who you are in any way, shape or form - it'll come back to bite you later.
- Practice chivalry with women. Offer to carry her books for her, open doors for her (especially when she is getting in and out of your car), and call her parents Mr. and Mrs. when you meet them.
- Dress like a young man. This doesn't mean you shouldn't have your own style - on the contrary. But when a boy becomes a teenager, his body changes, and you need to dress a little differently to look your age - you will impress a potential date more if you look as mature as your age. This means tidying yourself up throughout the day - make sure you are clean and not wrinkled, and that your hair is looking good. Wear a belt regardless of whether your shirt is tucked in or not. As a boy ages, he usually loses some of the "curve" of a boy's frame, and that's why most grown men you see are wearing a belt! You'll get used to the tighter feeling. Also, make sure your clothes fit well and are appropriate for the occasion. Consider being trendy, but be yourself too. Develop a style, but remember that men generally have less options than women and, though the world has changed, men are still expected to dress a certain way, especially for fancier occasions. So if you're going out, dress a little nicer than you would if you were lazing away a weekend. But, you must have your own style and individuality.
- Talk to your partner. Let them know some of your interests, whether it's in movies, books, or music. This is always a good way to start a conversation. It will be easy for them to reply on one of the subjects mentioned. If you have a class with them, then mention something about that class. They will come back with either they did not notice you in class, or will mention that they did notice you. This way, the conversation can be woven around the class, and will go from there.
- Give compliments. Compliment how your date looks, which is always appreciated, but also compliment them on other things, such as their abilities in art or sports. If your date is kind, say so. It is important not to lie for the sake of giving a compliment, however, because people usually know what they truly are worthy of being complimented for and will feel patronized if they catch on that you are lying.
- Keep the conversation dynamic. Do not talk only about yourself; ask about things that interest your date, such as their hobbies, friends, or what matters most to them. If your date asks you a question about yourself, answer, then say something like, "What about you?" in order to avoid monopolizing conversation. This will also help you learn more about them.
- Subtly show your interest. Smile when either of you speak, make eye contact consistently -especially when sitting at a table having a bite to eat - always look directly at your date when they talk to you. It is irritating and annoying to talk to someone while they scan the room with their eyes or turn around to look at someone who just walked by. It shows a total lack of interest in whatever they are talking about and makes them feel that you are not interested either in them, or what she is saying.
- React. If your partner is not reacting well to the date, does not want to hold hands when you try, or does not converse easily, then back off for awhile. If, however, your date just looks bored and not interested in you, cut the date short, and take them home. It's okay, and it's not your fault. Remember, this is just practice, and with enough practice, every date will go well.
- Smile. It will show your date you're having fun and that you genuinely like them.
Tips
- A little showing off is alright if it's done in good fun. If you're cocky, you push it, or you overstep any boundaries here, you will come off as a complete moron. Watch it.
- Personal hygiene is typically a vital thing. Always wear deodorant, smell good (too much cologne is bad, though), try some Old Spice Original, it gives a nice clean scent and doesn't have that "spring scent" or if you want to smell a little "hotter" try Gillette for shower gel and brief sprays of spray on deodorant (a cologne-Hollister, Lacoste and American Eagle have good ones) and remember to dress 'nicely'. Do not wear regular school clothes unless you're sure that your date is casual.
- Keep in mind that most of the time, they are just as nervous as you are.
- Don't make fun of your date or their friends and family. By talking about someone else, it shows them that when they are not with you, you might be talking about them.
- Girls will constantly test you; keep your confidence and frame of mind and don't let their little things bother you.
- Don't be pushy or bossy. Do not demand you go to a particular restaurant or a movie. Tell your date where you would like to go and ask if they would enjoy joining you, preferably beforehand. If they say no, then ask where they would like to go.
- Don't come across as a "player" or date around. Potential dates will not like that version of you, and you will have that reputation forever.
- Always be polite to your date's parents or family members if you might meet them. When they talk to you, be sure to answer them, not ignore them. If the parents don't like you, chances are you won't be seeing your date again.
- When considering what to do for your date, it's best to think of a few options for activities or locations and then let your date decide among them. This shows your date that you've taken initiative but that you've still left a choice to make.
- If you have crushed on your date for a long time, sometimes mentioning the little things you did to get their attention will be considered 'cute'. However, this entirely depends on the type of person you're with and generally isn't recommended unless things are going really well, or it's the second or third date.
- If you're unsure about any part of your date, consult with a friend of the about same age as your companion. Better safe than sorry!
- Always pick your date up at their house for the date. Never meet elsewhere. This way, their parents have a chance to meet you and get a good first impression of you.
- If your date asks you on a second date and you don't like them, say something like "No thanks; you're a great person, but I'm not really up to it." They'll get the hint.
- Don't back talk or disagree to something personal that is brought up, or it will come across as offensive.
- Take things slowly and say no if need be. If you rush the relationship, they may find it creepy or scary. Just go with the flow.
Warnings
- Never touch your date in any way that could be interpreted as pushy, especially on the butt, or with women, the breasts.
- Watch how you spend your money, and go easy on gifts. If you purchase lots of things for your date, they may find you too easy and would feel it's okay to use you only for your money.
- Be nice! Girls love it when guys are mature and sweet, even around their friends.
- Never stare at any part of your date's anatomy other than their eyes. Even if you don't think that it could be offensive, it could make them very uncomfortable.
- Don't make fun of your date. This will only make them uncomfortable, hurt their feelings, or maybe make them think you're a jerk. Brief, gentle teasing is okay and can be fun for both of you, but only if your date knows you are joking. If your date thinks you are being mean or trying to hurt them, they won't go on a date with you again. Feel free to playfully jest with your date and enjoy the ribbing if they catch you with a riposte, but don't let it escalate to actual verbal dueling.
- Don't date anyone just for their body. The relationship will not be rewarding for either of you.
- If you do not actually care about this person, don't bother. It's a waste of your time to date someone that you don't genuinely care about.
- Remember, nobody is the same! The date you are with now may enjoy certain things more than a person you have dated previously. Get to know your date before assuming things.
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