- Before the Date
- 1. Choose a Comfortable Location – Pick a place where you both can talk and feel at ease.
- 2. Be Punctual – Arriving on time shows respect for the other person’s time.
- 3. Dress Appropriately – Wear something that makes you feel confident but also suits the setting.
- 4. Plan Ahead (But Be Flexible) – Have a plan, but be open to changes if needed.
- 5. Have a Backup Topic – Think of a few conversation starters in case of awkward silences.
- During the Date
- 6. Be Present – Put your phone away and give your full attention.
- 7. Start with a Smile – A warm greeting helps ease nerves.
- 8. Listen More Than You Talk – Show genuine interest in your date’s thoughts and experiences.
- 9. Keep the Conversation Balanced – Avoid dominating the discussion or only talking about yourself.
- 10. Avoid Controversial Topics – Politics, religion, and ex-relationships can be touchy subjects.
- Etiquette & Behavior
- 11. Be Polite to Everyone – How you treat waitstaff and others says a lot about you.
- 12. Maintain Good Eye Contact – It shows confidence and attentiveness.
- 13. Be Honest but Tactful – Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not, but avoid oversharing too soon.
- 14. Respect Personal Boundaries – Pay attention to body language and don’t rush physical closeness.
- 15. Be Open-Minded – Even if the person isn’t your usual type, give them a fair chance.
- Ending the Date
- 16. Offer to Split the Bill – If one person insists on paying, be gracious about it.
- 17. Express Gratitude – A simple “I had a great time” goes a long way.
- 18. Be Clear About Future Plans – If you want to see them again, say so. If not, be kind but honest.
- 19. Follow Up Thoughtfully – A short text after the date shows interest and appreciation.
- 20. Don’t Overanalyze – Whether it went well or not, don’t stress too much—dating is a learning experience.