First Date Tips (For guys)

Anticipating first dates can be one heck of a nerve-wrecking experience. The surge of emotions running through you, can be so overwhelming, it could possibly give you an instant heart attack. There’s the thrill, the excitement, the nervousness, the adrenaline of an adventure so new, so fun, and filled with so much potential, and not forgetting the unavoidable and never-ending what-if’s that constantly fill every nook and corner of your mind.

First dates are not only an opportunity for you to meet someone new but also sort of like a second chance to renew yourself from previous dates or past relationships that went sour – in fact, it is somewhat like a ‘New Beginning’.

Remember one thing though, while you are on one end, contemplating the possibilities, imagination running wild, and fantasizing about your dream girl, she too is on the other end having her share of fantasies. While she is hoping that you’ll turn out to be Mr Right, she is also keeping her expectations in check. For example, her dream Malibu Barbie Mansion, along with that hot pink Malibu Barbie car.

So, in case all my small talk has gotten you even more jittery now, here’s some tips that might help:

1. Be on time – Or try to be slightly early. She can be fashionably late, but you have no excuse.

2. Make it a quickie – No, not what you’re thinking. Avoid having first dates at dinner. You want to get it over and done with if you find that she’s not right for you, and you’re only setting yourself up if she’s a slow eater too.

3. Plan, plan, plan – Suggest a place to have coffee or tea. As controlling as girls may appear to be, the usually appreciate it better if you did the planning.

4. Simple + Fun - Make it one that is memorable and unique, something she’ll never forget. This also breaks tension, makes her feel more comfortable around you, and gets her to open up to you more easily.

5. Let her into your life – Let her have a glimpse into your life. It could be the neighborhood where you grew up, your favorite hangouts, or even the activities you enjoy. She’ll feel special to be invited into your life.

6. Censorship – There is a limit to what you reveal to her and how much of it is revealed. Don’t tell her things like how you used to run naked in you lawn or how your mum breast-fed you.

7. Show Interest in her life – Find out about what her hobbies are, what her favorite foods are, etc.

8. Mind your manners – This doesn’t apply only to your date but to others around you as well. She’ll be watching your every move and forming an impression of you based on how you act during the entire date.