How to Wow on a First Date
Meeting people is hard and there is nothing quite so nerve-wracking as an initial encounter. You know that small talk won’t cut it but at the same time, what exactly is it that people say? Sitting across the table from a person you think/hope might be special, it’s hard to remember.
In a culture of online dating, where meeting the next person is as simple as downloading a trendy app, it’s natural to feel pressure to make a good first impression. How exactly can you wow on your next first date?
Let’s get into it.
First: Relax
Confidence is attractive. It also puts people at ease. Granted, if you go online and visit—by mistake, we assume—the website of a “dating specialist,” you’ll probably encounter a toxic version of this concept. An emphasis on posturing and subterfuge that deemphasizes sincerity in favor of bravado. That’s not what we mean.
Confidence at its best is simply a belief in yourself. A feeling of assurance that the real you is pretty alright, and that the right person will be happy to meet them. Obviously, that is an optimistic idea. Your authentic self is awesome, of course, but that doesn’t mean that you will be the ideal fit for everyone you wind up sitting across from at dinner on Saturday night.
For a healthy, sensible approach to dating confidence, take a mindfulness-centric inventory of what makes you cool. What positive qualities are you bringing to the date? Moreover, what qualities are you looking for in the other person?
Rather than focusing on nerves going in, try to see this situation for what it is: an evaluation. You and the other person are both there to get a feel for one another. Take some deep breaths, center yourself in the moment, and avoid:
- Past orientation: Memories of dates that have been less than stellar in the past, and
- Future orientation: The fear of what could go wrong in the future.
The vast majority of stress and anxiety have nothing to do with what is happening to you at the moment. It occurs when you can’t get out of your own head and just be present. Relax, it’s just a date.
Make it Unique
Dinner and a movie is an ok cookie-cutter date, but it doesn’t do much to generate excitement. If that’s what it has to be, that is ok, but why not try for a little bit more? For dinner, think about planning a picnic in a scenic location.
Get creative with the menu. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are fine, but they don’t quite wow the way you might with say, sushi, and maybe some cheese and crackers. Keep in mind when planning your menu with outdoor eating it is infinitely easier to keep cold food cold than it is to keep hot food hot.
For an activity, try something hands-on. An escape room. A hike. A visit to the botanical gardens. Something that gets the two of you interacting on a deeper level. Movies can be fun but they also mean two hours where you aren’t talking to the other person.
The goal is to get to know the other person, right? Look for activities that best facilitate that. You can always bounce ideas off the other person but try to do it in a way that doesn’t make you sound indecisive. Consider coming in with a few recommendations that sound good to you, and get feedback.
The goal is to come across as someone who feels confident, but also interested in what will make the other person happy.
Consider Coming With A Gift
Not necessarily anything fancy. Just a small token by which they can remember you. Flowers and chocolate are nice, but why not get something a little more unique? Our product catalog consists of affordable items dipped in real gold.
While the gold-plated rose is our signature item, there are loads of different options that will appeal to people of various interests.
Conclusion
Dating should be fun. You don’t have to spend a fortune to impress a special someone. You don’t need to do much more than be your cool, confident self. Go in focused on making the experience fun and special for both of you. Avoid overly high expectations, and instead develop a goal that is more within your control: Having a fun, memorable time with the other person.
Our product line, full of gifts for people of every interest is a great way to add an extra bit of spice to your next first date. Never forget though, that the real gift is you. Go get em, tiger.