First dates are exciting, but they also get us nervous.
It's natural to want to make a great impression and leave a lasting impact on your date.
But, what happens when things don't go as planned?
In this article, we will provide men with valuable tips and advice on how to handle different situations that may arise on a first date.
From building confidence before the date, making a good first impression, starting and keeping a conversation going, handling nerves, to handling a date who is more or less confident, or even shy.
Our goal is to help men have a great time, by providing them with the tools and tips they need to build confidence on a first date.
This guide is perfect for men looking for first date tips, advice on how to make a good first impression, and how to handle various scenarios that may arise on a first date.
Table of Contents
Preparing for the date
Building confidence before the date
Building confidence before a first date is crucial for making a good impression and setting yourself up for success. You want to go in prepared, ready to take on the world.
Don’t just lie around all day waiting for the date, make sure you prepare accordingly.
Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
Exercise: We’ve big believers in getting a good workout done before a date. Regular exercise is not only good for your health, but it can also boost your confidence. Hit the gym or go for a run before your date to release endorphins and feel more energized. Try to make it a regular habit, it doesn't only help you before the date but also in your daily life.
Good grooming: Taking the time to groom yourself properly can make a big difference in how confident you feel. Make sure you're well-shaved, your hair is styled, and your clothes are clean and ironed.
Meditate or do deep breathing exercises: Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you relax and reduce anxiety. Try to practice these techniques daily, if you're new to meditation, you can try some guided meditations on apps or youtube.
Visualize a positive outcome: Imagine yourself having a great time on your date, laughing, and having a good conversation. This visualization can help you to feel more confident and excited about the date.
Prepare some interesting conversation topics: Having some interesting conversation topics in mind can help you feel more confident when it comes to starting a conversation. Be prepared to ask your date questions about themselves and have some anecdotes or stories to share.
Finally, remember that confidence doesn't mean you have to be perfect, it means you are comfortable in your own skin and are able to be yourself.
The right outfit
Choosing the right outfit for a first date can be a tricky task, but it's important to remember that what you wear can have a big impact on how confident you feel.
First and foremost, choose something that makes you feel good about yourself. If you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it will show in your body language and attitude. If you're not sure about what to wear, choose something that you've worn before and received compliments on.
Consider the location of your date and dress appropriately. If you're going to a fancy restaurant, it's best to dress up a bit, whereas if you're going for a casual walk in the park, you can dress more casually.
Be mindful of the latest fashion trends, but don't feel like you have to be trendy to be confident. Choose something that fits you well and makes you feel good.
Ensure that your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free, this will ensure that you look put together and will help you to feel more confident.
Finally, accessorize wisely, a nice watch, a pair of shoes or a belt can add a touch of class and confidence to your outfit.
Prepare mentally
Preparing mentally for a first date is just as important as preparing physically. Try to put your mind completely at ease.
First, try to relax and let go of any negative thoughts or worries that you may have. Remind yourself that the date is an opportunity to have fun and get to know someone new, and that it's not the end of the world if things don't go perfectly.
Practice positive self-talk, remind yourself of your strengths and the things you like about yourself. This can help to boost your confidence and reduce any feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
Visualize yourself having a great time on your date, imagine yourself laughing, having a good conversation, and making a great impression. This visualization can help to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
Remind yourself that you are not alone, many people experience anxiety or nerves before a first date. It's a normal feeling, and it's something that can be overcome with the right mindset.
Finally, try to focus on the present moment, stay in the present and don't worry too much about what might happen in the future. This will help you to be more relaxed and enjoy the date.
Building confidence on the date
Make a good first impression
Making a good first impression on a first date is crucial for building a connection with your date and setting the tone for the rest of the relationship. Here are a few tips to help you make a great first impression:
Be on time, nothing makes a worse first impression than being late. Make sure you plan ahead and allow enough time for traffic or other unexpected delays.
Dress well, as mentioned before, what you wear can have a big impact on how confident you feel and how you are perceived. Dress appropriately for the occasion and make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
Be polite and courteous, this includes things like opening doors, pulling out chairs and using please and thank you.
Be a good listener, being genuinely interested in what your date has to say will show them that you value their thoughts and opinions.
Be confident, but not arrogant, be yourself and don't try to be someone you're not. Being genuine and authentic is key to making a good first impression.
Be positive and upbeat, try to keep the conversation light and positive, avoid discussing negative topics or complaining.
Start a conversation and keep it going
Starting a conversation on a first date can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that it's just a conversation and the goal is to get to know each other. Here are a few tips to help you start a conversation and keep it going:
Be prepared with conversation starters, have a few topics in mind that you can bring up if the conversation lulls. You can ask about their hobbies, interests, or recent events in their life.
Be open-minded, be willing to listen and ask questions about the other person, this will show them that you're genuinely interested in getting to know them.
Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share a little bit about yourself as well. Being genuine and authentic will help to build a connection with your date.
Use active listening, this means paying attention to what the other person is saying and responding in an appropriate way. This can help to keep the conversation flowing and avoid awkward silences.
Use humor, if you're comfortable with it, a well-timed joke or witty comment can help to lighten the mood and keep the conversation going.
Be aware of your body language, make eye contact, smile and lean in slightly to show you're engaged in the conversation.
Handle nerves and anxiety
Feeling nervous before a first date is normal and something that many people experience. Here are a few tips to help you handle your nerves and have a great time on your date:
Recognize that it's normal to feel nervous and that everyone experiences nerves at some point. Instead of trying to completely get rid of your nerves, focus on managing them.
Take deep breaths and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of calm.
Remind yourself that the date is an opportunity to have fun and get to know someone new. Instead of focusing on the potential negative outcome, focus on the potential positive outcome.
Focus on the present moment, instead of worrying about what might happen in the future, stay in the present and enjoy the experience.
Remind yourself of your strengths, and the things you like about yourself. This can help to boost your confidence and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Try to be positive, and avoid negative self-talk. Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, focus on what could go right.
Finally, remember that your date is also likely to be feeling nervous, so be understanding and try to put them at ease as well.
Confidence in specific situations
How to handle a date who is more confident than you
Dating someone who is more confident than you can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that confidence is not the only thing that matters in a relationship. Here are a few tips to help you handle a date who is more confident than you:
Be yourself, confidence is not about putting on a facade, it's about being comfortable in your own skin. Don't try to be someone you're not in order to match your date's confidence level.
Focus on what you have to offer, remember that you have unique qualities and experiences that make you interesting and valuable. Don't compare yourself to your date, just be yourself.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, if you're not sure what to say or how to keep the conversation going, ask your date questions about themselves. This will show that you're interested in getting to know them and will give you an opportunity to learn more about them.
Be open-minded, try to be open to new experiences and new ways of thinking. Being open-minded will help you to learn from your date and expand your own perspective.
Be confident in your own way, remember that confidence comes in many forms and you don't have to be the same kind of confident as your date. Embrace your own unique way of being confident.
Finally, remember that everyone has their own insecurities and that your date may also be feeling nervous. Be understanding and supportive of their feelings.
How to handle a date who is less confident than you
Dating someone who is less confident than you can be a delicate situation, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. In order to handle a date who is less confident, it's important to approach the situation with understanding, patience, and empathy.
One of the key things to keep in mind is to be supportive and encouraging towards your date. Remind them of their strengths and the things you like about them. Offer words of encouragement and positive reinforcement. This will help to boost their confidence and make them feel more at ease.
Another important aspect is to be a good listener, give your date the opportunity to speak and express themselves. Be attentive and understanding when they speak, and avoid interrupting or talking over them. This will help to create a comfortable and safe space for them to open up and be themselves.
It's also important to be respectful of your date's boundaries and be sensitive to their feelings. Avoid pushing them to do something that makes them uncomfortable, and understand that they may have different comfort levels than you.
Avoid making comparisons between yourself and your date. Everyone is different and has their own way of doing things. This will help to avoid any potential hurt feelings or misunderstandings.
Finally, be mindful of your body language, try to be approachable and non-judgmental, make eye contact and smile. This will help to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for the both of you.
How to handle a date who is shy
Dating someone who is shy can be a unique experience, as shy individuals may have a harder time opening up and expressing themselves. To handle a date who is shy, it's important to approach the situation with understanding, patience, and empathy.
One of the key things to keep in mind is to be a good listener, shy people may have a hard time starting conversations, so it's important to be an active listener and ask questions to keep the conversation going. Show that you're genuinely interested in getting to know them. This will help to create a comfortable and safe space for them to open up and express themselves.
It's also important to be respectful of your date's boundaries and be sensitive to their feelings. Shy people may be more reserved and may not be comfortable with certain topics or activities. Avoid pushing them to do something that makes them uncomfortable and understand that they may have different comfort levels than you.
Avoid making assumptions, just because someone is shy, it doesn't mean they are not interesting or don't have anything to say. Give them the chance to open up and express themselves.
Be understanding of their shyness, shyness is a part of who they are, try not to take it personally, and don't make fun of them for being shy. This will help to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for both of you.
Finally, be mindful of your body language, try to be approachable and non-judgmental, make eye contact and smile. This will help to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for the both of you.
Confidence on a first date
Hopefully this will help you know how to handle different situations that may arise on a first date. From building confidence, to making a good first impression and handling nerves, there’s plenty you can do to make sure you’re prepared.
If you liked that article check out our guide on what not to do on a first date.
Or take a look at our round-up of dating for introverts.
