First dates can be a nerve-wrecking affair but all of those nerves can be quelled if you follow some of the tips we have for you.
Aim to make your first date a memorable one for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones – we all know how hard it is to forget a disastrous first date.
1. Venue
The chosen venue for any first date is crucial because if you want the relationship to last, it can greatly enhance memories for you and your partner to remember that nice place you went on your first date.
The guy should take the initiative to find out if there’s a particular type of cuisine or restaurant that the girl likes. If the girl doesn’t like spicy food, then no matter how high-class the Indian restaurant is, the food is bound to leave her drinking cold water all night long or worse, starving. If the venue of your choice is an unfamiliar place, make the effort to visit the place before the actual date so you don’t look lost or actually get lost on your way there.
Check if the restaurant takes reservations, then make one and ask for a nice quiet corner, so you have some privacy.
2. Look good, look sharp
Both ladies and men should put in effort to look good on their first date (and on every date after that!). Dress well and dress right.
Dress code would largely be dependent on the venue chosen. Guys should not turn up at Café Del Mar in Sentosa in a shirt, pants and tie; instead, go for a short-sleeved print shirt with matching pants or jeans. Nor should ladies turn up for a first date at an Italian restaurant in your power suit, instead, put on a knee-length cocktail dress.
Above all, make sure the clothes fit you and provide enough comfort so you’re not fidgeting throughout the evening.
3. Smile
A smile relaxes a person and the person seeing the smile. Go for a simple dental cleaning or polishing before the first date if your last visit to the dentist was more than a year ago.
Without spending hundreds of dollars on whitening, you’ll be surprised how much confidence you get just by knowing you have clean teeth from a regular dental cleaning. If you think you smile awkwardly, which some of us do, practice in front of the mirror.
4. Talk but also listen
First dates are exciting because two different individuals sit down, usually for the first time, and focus on getting to know one another in an intimate setting. Do ask open-ended questions and let the other party talk, then listen intently and make mental notes.
Women like to know that men are listening when they talk. Try not to babble on and on about yourself, there is no need to pour out your entire life story to the other party in one night. Leave some topics for future dates.
5. Part well
Men should send the ladies home after their first date even if she lives in Jurong and his place is in Bedok, and both of you are hanging out at East Coast. This not only reveals the character of the man but it is a kind gesture to let the lady know you care.
After the date, follow up with a thank you SMS or call to let the other party know you appreciate his / her time and that you enjoyed yourself.
These are just some of the many tips we have for you. Putting all or most of them in use would definitely help you on your dating journey. Make it good, make it memorable and most of all, our wish for you is: make it last.
