Acing Your First Date

There’s nothing like a good rom-com to remind all of us single ladies how awkward first dates can be. With stories ranging from long, awkward pauses to hiding in the bathroom, first encounters can seem dreadful. However, in an era of constant self-improvement and information at our fingertips, first date pointers aren’t too far away. Lucky for you, you don’t have to look far.

Dress for Location and Occasion

We’ve all heard it before, but it’s true—when you look good, you feel good. This is especially true when we’re meeting someone for the first time. Depending on the activity you’ve planned with your date, dressing for the specific event will make you feel comfortable and confident. Dressing well is about dressing for you. Picking pieces you feel confident in is the best choice you can make for yourself; you want to be true to who you are when making a first impression. Whether it's an elegant silk dress for a dinner date or your favorite athleisure set for a day of hiking, what’s important here is that you’re feeling yourself (and your outfit too).

Body Language is Key

Oftentimes we forget about the unspoken tool of communication: body language. It is common knowledge that the way we say things versus what we actually say can have very different meanings. This is also true when it comes to how we pose our bodies when we are speaking or listening. In a date setting, actively listening to the person in front of you is a must. It’s important in showing respect and interest, especially if you’re wanting to turn date 1 into date 2. Maintain comfortable eye contact when the other person is speaking to you, as this lets them know that they have your full attention. Another thing to keep in mind is to be conscious of how you rest your arms. Crossed arms are often a sign of guardedness. To make the best of a first-time meeting, putting down your wall and inviting the other person into your space can make a world of a difference.

Away with Perfection

We’ve all fantasized over how our first date with our future significant other would go. What outfit should you wear? Should you meet them at the location or be picked up? These questions start surfacing and clouding our judgment the minute we get the time and day for the date. Wanting to have a perfect outing is something to strive for, but trying to do everything perfectly can suck out all the fun! By letting loose and being your most authentic self, you are allowed to live in the moment and leave the date knowing you were present and had the best time possible. 

Ditch the Interview Energy

Going on a date with someone can become intimidating and sometimes change the way one may act. The idea of creating small talk or having something to talk about can vary from person to person. However, an important note to remember is to not treat it as a professional interview. Try voiding one-word answers or being intimidated by your date. By doing so, it can lessen any awkward moments and instead allow the conversation to flow naturally. 

Going on a first date with a person is an experience everyone goes through. The butterflies, the nerves, and the stigma of it all can be overwhelming. Despite this, we all want to find that special someone to have movie nights and snuggle with. From the process of getting ready, to actually arriving at the date, we hope these pointers help you create an overall fun and natural experience for you and your date. Good luck out there! You’ve got this. 

Written by Alexa Ojeda & Camila Perez, Photography by Esha Uddaraju, Design by Alyssa Hoppie, Media by Kristen Phillips