by Michael Allen

Created on: September 24, 2008

A first date with someone is often a nerve-wracking experience especially if it is with someone you don't know well. The first date can be used to gauge the other person's interests, desires, needs, and emotional stability. If you're going on a first date use some of these ideas to ease your nerves and increase the possibility of having a positive dating experience.

1) Pick something casual and light for the first date. Going for coffee is a dater's best bet or a drink at a local pub. If you have issues with alcohol choose the former rather than the latter. The main reason for choosing a casual location is if the date starts to go sour then there is an easy escape route. Going for coffee can last at the minimum ten minutes and the maximum would be around a half hour to an hour.

2) Dress a little better than usual. It is okay to wear your favourite shirt but make sure you did not wear it to bed the night before. Step it up a notch and wear something flattering. Holes in clothes are a bad idea. As well, dress for the weather. If it is sunny and warm leave the sweaters at home. Dress appropriately for the date (Dating).

3) Respect your date. If you are a guy and have asked a girl out make her feel comfortable by buying her a small gift or pay for her coffee. If you are going to buy her a flower buy one not a whole bunch. Make sure the communication isn't one-sided. Balance talking and listening and avoid interruptions (Yahoo). Show some interest in your date.

4) Keep the topics of conversation light. While on a first date it is not a good idea to start talking about your personal problems. Your date is not your counsellor. Besides, it is best to show your positive traits while at the same maintaining honesty. Ex-girlfriends, plans for marriage, and your desire for kids are forbidden as topics of conversation (Datingfun). If your date is talking about these things on the first date then start looking for the door.

5) Keep the date short. For both guys and girls this is not a time to push for the physical. The main focus of a date is to get to know the other person and perhaps weed out any bad dating prospects. If the date is going well then you can extend it (Yahoo). Otherwise keep it to under an hour and if you like the girl/guy set up a second date later in the week.

6) Have fun. Share a joke together or tell a funny story. If you're laughing and your date is laughing then the date is going well. Even if there is not a romantic connection the worst thing that can happen on a first date is that you enjoy yourself and make a new friend.

One final note, the cinema or a rock concert are two bad ideas for a first date, so is your house. Keep the first date in a public arena so that your date feels safe.
If you follow these simple tips then most likely your first date will be a positive experience. Avoid becoming one of those dating horror stories people love to talk about, get out there, and have some fun!

Sources:

http://dating.lovetoknow.com/First_Date_ Tips

http://www.datingfun.com/planning/firstdate.asp

h ttp://ca.dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingti ps/14083/7-tips-for-a-great-first-date

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