Navigating First Dates

First dates can bring up a combination of feelings such as anxiety, excitement, and restlessness. Whether you are jumping back into the dating pool, or beginning to date for the first time, being prepared for an awesome first date is sure to diminish some of your nervousness so you can relax and enjoy getting to know your date.

Pick a Great Meeting Place

First dates tend to go smoother if both parties agree on a fun meeting place beforehand. If you are a bit shy, plan on doing an activity as your first date and relieving some pressure to hold a conversation the whole time. If you need a bit of time to adjust to getting to know someone, you can plan on doing an activity first and then having a snack or meal together once you're more comfortable with each other.

Get to Know Each Other

First dates give you the chance to get to know your date really well. Although everyone tends to be on their best behavior during the first few dates, you can find out about your date's values, goals, and relationships by asking thoughtful questions. If you connect right away, the conversation will flow naturally, and you may find yourself more at ease. Keep in mind that unless you already know your date, it is best not to reveal too many intimate details about your life at first. It is always best to err on the side of caution when meeting someone for the first time and to let them get to know better once you've established a level of trust that you're comfortable with.

After the First Date

After the first date, think about whether you'd like to see this person again and trust your gut. If you don't want to see them again, there are plenty of ways to let them know gently that you aren't interested in continuing the relationship. Remember that you are bound to have amazing first dates and some not so great ones that you wish you could forget. With the more challenging dates, think about why they didn't go well, what didn't work, and what you aren't comfortable with in a partner so you're better prepared for your next date. Knowing what you are looking for can help you immensely when it comes to dating and finding the right relationship for you.

Enjoy Your Date

First dates can come with a ton of pressure to make a good first impression. Keep in mind that you don't need to put on a front and to just be yourself. If you don't click with your date, that's okay. There are tons of other people out there to get to know, and you won't feel the need to be anyone but yourself with the right match.