Impress Someone on a First Date

Have you been wanting to go out with someone for a while but are so nervous when they finally say yes that you don't know how to act or what to do? If so, read on for some basic advice on impressing your date.

Steps

  1. Prepare. Before the date do something that relaxes you, exercise, reading, yoga, singing your favorite song, whatever puts you in an easy going, happy mood. Wash yourself, put on antiperspirant/deodorant, brush your teeth, brush your hair, and don't forget to wear clean clothes! Make a list of conversation starters and questions you can ask them if you're having trouble finding a topic. Questions about their pet(s), taste in music, good books they've read lately, favorite thing to do outdoors, would you rather questions, are all good ideas. Remember these and read the front page of the newspaper, too.
  2. If you are taking your car, clean it out.
  3. Choose someplace that will be special to your date. If you're not sure what he or she will like, ask. You may want to take him or her out to eat someplace out of the ordinary (don't go overboard, as this can set a bad precedent).
  4. If it is a formal date, greet him or her with a small gift. For example, a small box of chocolates or a single rose. This is even better if you know what types of flowers or candies are your date's favorites. Never try the single red rose on a casual first date, you may come on way too strong, as this signifies passionate love. Try baking a nice treat, getting a small stuffed animal, or something else that is unique to them. Never do anything big on the first date. The best gift you can give is your company.
  5. Communicate openly and honestly. Talk to your date during dinner and listen to what he or she has to say.
  6. If you are a guy, pay for the date, if you are a girl offer to pay for the date, if your offer is declined, offer to pay for yourself, if this does not fly, accept. They are trying to be nice. If you are a gay/lesbian couple, just ask them what they prefer to do and explain what you prefer to do and then compromise. A lot of gay/lesbian couples run into this problem because both sides want to pay for themselves, the best bet is to either take turns paying or pay for yourself. If you were the person that suggested the date it is generally accepted that you at least offer to pay for both yourself and your date.
  7. Ask questions about the life of your date. Do a lot of listening, it's important not to over-chat them, try to listen a little more than you talk, but don't let the conversation just die out.
  8. Look into your date's eyes. Eye contact shows interest.
  9. If you are confident that you have a sense of humor and intelligence, make them laugh. But don't lecture.
  10. Pay your date compliments, compliments are your best friend when dating, don't overdo it or offer anything insincere, try not to be too cheesy. Find one or more qualities in which to sincerely compliment them.
  11. Do something unusual and cheap, something you had to think about and put time into. Don't do anything huge, just go for a stroll in your neighborhood or offer them cocoa, show them your favorite constellation, something interesting that you alone will be remembered for.
  12. End the night with a kiss, if possible. As you escort your date to their place of residence shift the conversation to something romantic like the moon, or the stars or something. Use visual cues and body language from your date to let you know when the time is right to "make your move".

Tips

  • Don't wear overpowering perfume or cologne, but do wear some. It makes a statement.
  • Be natural. Be yourself. Don't make everything you say a line from a TV show or sound very rehearsed. Let whatever happens, happen. You'll never really get to know each other otherwise.
  • Wear suitable attire, but don't overdress or compete with your date for fashion attention.
  • Try watching a chick-flick and picking up a few tips from it, these movies are completely formed around people's idea of the perfect dating relationship so use them to your advantage. The corny dialogue might not be your favorite, but it will give you an idea of what is deemed as impressive. Remember, what pleases on one person might not please another so don't take it for granted that this approach will charm your date.
  • Just be yourself. Never rely on other's experiences. You have your own life and your own decision. Do something special!
  • Don't rush it. Its easier if it just flows naturally.
  • Ask open questions, don't ask questions that require just a yes or no. This gives your date a chance to speak, you to listen and learn more about them.
  • Never bring up a past relationship on the first date. It can imply that you're still not over the person and you aren't ready to move on.
  • Make sure you don't have bad breath; it's a little thing that can ruin the night if other person picks up on it.

Warnings

  • Table manners. Use them.
  • If you are dining, don't open your lips while chewing, or talk with your mouth full of food. Most find this disgusting and it will ruin their meal and impression of you. If you have difficulty with this, try smaller bites.
  • Be optimistic and real.
  • Don't come on too strong. Don't play incredibly hard to get. Strike the happy medium, the not desperate but not distant. Friendly and 'flirty' are a good combination.
  • On average, it's best NOT to stink of body odor, though there are exceptions. Most are turned off by evidence of poor hygiene
  • If you make an obvious mistake and both of you know what happened, don't try to cover it up. Be sincere and apologize and express you'd like to fix the problem. They will normally be okay.

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