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How to have a great first date

Katie Silcox | Friday 15 February 2008 | 15:34

First step – take a deep breath and relax. Our tips on how to have a great date are here to help:

Do prepare

Save yourself those awkward silences that sometimes rear their ugly heads on dates with a bit of pre-date preparation. Brush up on your current affairs and showbiz gossip and you’ll feel confident that you’ve got something to talk about. The likelihood is, you won’t even need to use them.

Do show confidence

A bit of confidence goes a long way, and if you haven’t got it – fake it! You know the drill; shoulders back, stand tall and smile!

Do pay attention

Everyone likes to have an attentive audience when they talk, so show some interest (genuine interest) in your date and their hobbies and you’re bound to score well. Do be sure to play your part in the conversation however, and don’t just sit there nodding. Ask questions, reply with stories of your own, and create some topics of conversation.

Do tell the truth

Now there’s really no point in saying you have an interest in train spotting just because your date does. There are so many reasons for this; one - you may get a second date but you can’t go much further without ‘fessing up; two – you’ll probably feel uncomfortable which won’t go down well; three – you’re likely to have to partake in said hobby and if it’s not for you this will just be dull dull dull.

Do make good eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful thing. It shows that you’re open with nothing to hide, it shows confidence, and holding your date’s gaze will show you’re interested. What’s more, eye contact can go a long way to creating a psychological bond. Can’t be bad.

Don’t be late

Imagine if it was you left standing, waiting for your date to arrive. You wouldn’t like it, would you? Perhaps you can get away with being 5 minutes late because your bus was delayed – but any more than this and you’re pushing it. If you are genuinely late due to circumstances beyond your control, make sure you let your date know as soon as you can. And if you do turn up more than 15 minutes late without having let them know, don’t be shocked if your date’s gone home.

Don’t overdress

We know you want to look nice and by all means, make some effort, just don’t go overboard. Girls, if you’re wearing a low-cut top then leave the short skirt at home, don’t pile on the make-up as you’ll look like you’ve made too much effort, and if you’re walking, but simply have to wear heels, then stick to the 2 inchers hey?!

Don’t judge a book by its cover

In other words, don’t judge your date by first glance. Or indeed, by the first 20 minutes after meeting. Remember, looks aren’t everything so give your date a chance. And why 20 minutes? Seeing as you’re probably both nervous, the first 20 minutes aren’t going to be great so forgive the endless chatter, ground-staring, or possible stuttering – after all, do you want to be judged in this time?

Don’t babble about yourself

Your date will probably ask a few questions that allow you to talk about yourself – great! By all means tell your stories – this is what your date wants to hear. But don’t go overboard – remember, everyone likes to talk about themselves so make sure you give your date that chance…show some interest and ask some questions.

Don’t drink too much

You may feel that alcohol gives you some extra confidence, and to an extent this might be true - one or two drinks that is. Don’t be tempted to drink a lot however, because even if you feel that you’re coming across as confident and charming, chances are that if you drink too much you’ll start to talk about the ex and try it on with your date. Oops.

Join now and get flirting! 

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