Dazzle With Your 32 Effective First Date Tips

By Ruth Jesse

January 10, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

Isn’t it amazing meeting someone for the first time after a long time of doing online dating? In today’s topic, we are going to give you some of the best tips that you will need when it comes to going on a date for the first time. Read along and make the best out of your first date.

💟 Make a good impression with these must-know 32 Effective First Date Tips 💟

1. Make a solid first impression

First impressions count. It just requires a couple of moments for somebody to shape an assessment on you dependent on your appearance and attitude. An extraordinary method to establish a positive first connection is to grin.

2. Be consistent with yourself

However, dating shouldn’t be about victors and washouts. It’s tied in with discovering somebody you interface with and care about; somebody who makes you glad and who you can satisfy consequently.

Photo credits: pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

3. Set up some first date questions

You wouldn’t go for a prospective employee meeting without getting ready ahead of time, so for what reason should a first date be any unique? Ponder the kind of inquiries you could pose, and some fascinating responses to the inquiries that might come to your direction.

4. Cut down the messaging, and meet face to face

The discussion may have begun on an online dating platform, however, it shouldn’t remain there for a really long time. Messaging can unquestionably give you a feeling of someone else, yet to truly become acquainted with one another, you need more than messages on a screen

5. Complete your fruitful first date with the right development

So you felt an association, the discussion streamed and you shared heaps of things practically speaking. What’s the deal? An eventful first date is just pretty much as great as the development, and this implies masterminding another gathering.

6. Don’t overcomplicate things

Photo credits: pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

The principal date with somebody you know pretty much nothing or nothing about is loaded with vulnerability.

Try not to make things more convoluted by attempting to orchestrate the ideal heartfelt supper, or arranging an entire outing. All things being equal, keep things short and straightforward.

7. Up your listening game

We as a whole love to discuss ourselves yet don’t expect your date to discover you as intriguing as you do. Truth be told, making everything about you conveys some unacceptable messages.

8. Try not to push superfluously

A touch of nervousness is normal on a first date – indeed, it’s a large portion of the good times. Yet, you’ll need to dispense with the sort of pressure that will make you bothered and your date awkward. Keep in mind, the more loosened up you feel, the more agreeable your date will associate with you.

9. Be confident with yourself.

Believe that you will ace that first date no matter what. When you boost your confidence then you are able to give your partner the right energy for him/her to open up to you freely.

10. Dress appropriately.

Man and Woman Sitting on Chair
Photo credit: Pexels.com

Find the best attire in your closet that will match the events of the day. Let your partner see his queen or her king to be.

11. Choose a fairly low noise level environment.

When making plans for the date you can opt to choose a place that has less noise in the background. Through this, you will be able to hear your partner when you are making a conversation.

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12. Be on time.

Punctuality talks a lot about someone’s character. Be the first to arrive at the set destination or come at the exact time you had planned for the day. Don’t leave a bad impression on your first date.

13. Take time to listen to your partner

When your partner is making a conversation its best if you listen first before jumping to a conclusion. Let them wind up what they are saying then you can give your opinions or feedback.

Couple on romantic dinner in cafe
Photo credit: Pexels.com

14. Don’t judge your partner.

If your partner loves to eat let them enjoy themselves and be free with you. If he/she enjoys wearing baggy clothes or listens to rock music support them for who they are.

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15. Don’t bring up stories about your ex.

Let the bygones be bygones. You are not advised to compare your current partner with your ex at any given time.

16. Name dropping

Some people don’t find it attractive when they are name-dropped. For this first date keep things casual and less intimidating.

17. Don’t go on the date with high expectations

Most people tend to go wrong when they meet their partners for the first time and put high expectations on them. High or low expectations at times disappointing. If you really want to enjoy your date then expect nothing.

18. Don’t talk about yourself too much.

Let the conversation be a two-sided conversation. Give your partner time to also express themselves vividly.

19. Free your hair

Couple Sitting at the Table
Photo credit: Pexels.com

This applies to the ladies, let your hair fall down well brushed and oiled. If you love short banks on your head then kill it. if you are an afro kinky hair girl then do that.

Give yourself a moment to shine on your date.

20. Smell like a queen or a king.

You wouldn’t want to go on your date smelling like a construction site worker. Get that sweet cologne from your nearby store and make it your day’s scent. For the men, there are other attractive colognes that leave back your partner wanting to be around you, get them and win that lady.

21. Don’t reveal too much or less.

During the conversation say less or moderately about yourself. Let your partner have that urge to want to know you better. It’s called the suspense of love attraction.

22. Breathe.

Take a second and gasp out the tension in your adrenaline. Clear the tense air, get up and meet your date.

23. Admit to your partner that you are nervous.

Telling your partner how you feel makes them feel comfortable around you. They will have gained the momentum to also express how they are feeling at the moment.

Man Holding Baby's-breath Flower in Front of Woman Standing Near Marble Wall
Photo credit: Pexels.com

It is totally understandable to be nervous.

24. Confirm the date details 24 hours earlier than the due date.

Check whether the date plans have been scheduled or moved to a later date. This will keep you informed on how and when you should start preparing yourself.

25. Don’t be the guy or lady that openly says that they want a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

Let it come out at the right time and after a long time of knowing each other. On your first date consider knowing the person first.

26. Be on check out for red flags.

Check how that person treats you as an individual. Does he/she keep getting constant phone calls despite saying they aren’t working or dating anyone? Do they look fishy or mischievous?

27. Pay or split the bill.

At times it’s really confusing who should pay for the meals. Before going for the date you should both be prepared.

28. Keep your phones away.

Avoid using your phone when you are on a date. Show your partner some respect.

29. Never lie to your partner.

Be an honest partner who barely lies. If you are not a stable person then don’t be ashamed of it be yourself and keep things between you two real and truthful.

30. Know the limits of your jokes.

If you love making jokes then you should be considerate about what you say to your partner every time.

Photo credits: pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

31. Don’t brag about yourself.

That’s being selfish of yourself. Showing off is a very bad trait to portray at any given time in your relationship.

32. Be unexpected.

When your partner doesn’t know what you are about to say or do is attractive. Catch them at the unexpected moment in their life. Be that unpredictable partner.

🛑 Things you should never ever do on a first date 

When we are on our first dates we at times do things that annoy our partner in some type of way. We might notice them or not.

Below are some of the things you should never ever do on your first date.

✅ Don’t get too personal.

During that present moment you are both too nervous since you are strangers at first sight but friends on social media.

Getting too personal about your life might not be the option for your first date.

This kind of impression will come out as snoopy and you wouldn’t want to create that kind of impression. Try to enjoy the moment and maybe there might be a second date.

✅ Give your partner time to talk.

When the other person is talking it’s best to let them finish talking before interrupting them. This always comes out as being rude and disrespectful.

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Photo credits: Pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

You should always embrace giving your partner time to talk, not only on your first date.

✅ Avoid being condescending.

It is not cool to be condescending. Snobbing your date yet you are out having fun is never the way to go even if you don’t like the person.

Be kind, humble, comforting, and open-minded.

✅ Make sure you are not rude to the person waiting on you.

It is not right to judge others but people will judge you on how good or bad you treat your subordinates. Always show gratitude and be nice to the person waiting at your table.

It will really explain more about your character.

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✅ You should not constantly use your phone on your first date.

This is considered to be very rude. The other person will feel neglected and bored and he or she might keep asking themselves if they are that bad when it comes to conversing with people face to face.

Hispanic lady looking jealously at boyfriend while texting on cellphone
Photo credit: Pexels.com

On your first date, it’s advisable to have your phones at the side of the table placed upside down.

If you constantly use your phone then the date will end up being boring and there might not be a second date for you.

✅ Embrace listening to your partner and do less talking.

When people go out on dates, they do more talking than listening. Do the opposite and listen to your partner as they talk.

Muslim Couple Eating in Restaurant
Photo credit: Pexels.com

Get to understand what the other person is saying and maybe contribute to what they are saying. Initiate a conversation when it’s needed.

✅ You are not to talk of your exes when you are on your first date.

If there is anything that destroys most first dates then it is talking of your exes character or behavior. You are there to interact and get to know your date and not present your past to him or her.

Ranting about them will make your partner wish they hadn’t come on the date.

Be yourself and don’t be nervous, I know it’s your first date but be confident.

📌 Things you should never say on a first date 📌

On every first date you go with someone new there are crucial things you are not supposed to say. Below are some of the things you should avoid when you are on your first date.

📍 Would you want to lose some weight in the future? 

When you are meeting someone for the first time it’s not advisable to ask them some questions like this. Body shaming someone is one of the worst things you would ever do to break the self-esteem of a person.

📍 I want to share this deep secret with you 

Meeting someone for the first time maybe you should keep your stuff to yourself and get to know this person first. Let them earn a trustable field from you so that you can be able to share out your secrets with them.

Don’t be too personal with your secrets.

Photo credit: Pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

📍 You know my ex…

When you bring up stories concerning your ex and how he used to treat you then the person will feel as though you are comparing him or her with your ex.

It will also indicate that you haven’t moved on from your past relationship and maybe you are looking for someone similar to your ex.

📍 Can I date your friend from the profile picture in your dating app? 

If you wanted to be with his/her friend then you would have enquired before meeting up with this person. Asking if they are single means you are not attracted to your date and you are only there to enquire about their friend.

📍 You are my perfect fit for a travel partner!

When you approach your date like this, it will show that all you care about is your travel date and maybe the person is not as adventurous as you are.

It will end up bringing a conflict of interest between the two and the atmosphere will definitely change to an awkward moment.

Photo credit: Pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

📍 How many people have dated before? 

This type of question is not meant to be asked on the first day. Yes, I know you’d want to know what your partner has been up to before meeting you but bringing up such topics would really raise some red flags on you.

Let it come out naturally from your partner. Maybe the other person has had a bit of bad luck when it comes to dating and wouldn’t want to share out his/her experiences before knowing you better.

📍 Have you ever considered going to the gym?

When a guy is asked this kind of question he will feel insecure about his body. At times its best to let someone be. Be happy that they are healthy and not questioning your physicality.

Embrace complimenting people the right way.

📍 Do you eat that much food at home? 

Some people love food and maybe that is what helps them feel happy. Asking someone that question will make him/her question her eating habits and amounts.

Photo credit: Pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

📍 Are you a democrat or a republican?

This is a very weird question to ask on a romantic first date with your partner. Politics are best discussed when you both have known each other well.

It is not bad to love and talk about politics but find the best time to initiate that topic.

📍 I don’t think ladies are funny.

Being the first date, you might feel free to say that but maybe the other person will feel targeted. Judging people is not always a good trait to portray when you are on your first date.

This doesn’t mean you judge others when you start dating. Maybe in your life, you have never met funny girls and that is why you see it from that perspective.

This would show your lady that you don’t appreciate women or even support them.

📍 Are you paying?

If you were asked out on a date by your partner then for sure he/she had the date planned for and you wouldn’t want to pose such a question to your partner. Even though you have him in the friend zone is great to show a good first impression.

👑 First date advice that every girl should know 👑

🔑 Be receptive 

He may not seem like your sort, yet he could make you snicker. Do whatever it takes not to be too judgy until you discover somewhat more with regards to your date. The main date is everything except only an example the tip of an ice shelf.

Try not to surrender quickly or be excessively particular in view of a couple of slip-ups he makes or on the grounds that he appears to be abnormal, odds are he is worried before the young lady he loves.

🔑 Be a decent date 

Be a decent date by tuning in and taking an interest in the discussion. In case he’s paying, don’t choose the most costly things on the menu. Or more all, if you’d prefer to see him once more, make certain to express gratitude toward him for taking you out.

🔑 Avoid disputable themes with regards to the blend 

There is consistently an ideal opportunity to dive further into genuine discussions. Opening with strict or political convictions isn’t the most ideal approach to start off the primary date, regardless of whether it turns out you have similar convictions. This date ought to be a pleasant one, so appreciate it!

🔑 Never get in the vehicle with somebody you don’t have a clue 

It’s what our folks advised us as children yet even as a grown-up, it’s best to be as cautious as possible. On the off chance that you just know one another from the web, ensure you meet him someplace. That gathering spot ought to be a splendidly lit and populated spot as

🔑 Try not to communicate everything 

Very much like your eyes space out when a date continues forever about himself, don’t be that young lady by the same token. The main date ought to resemble a ping pong match. The discussion ought to go to and fro, consciously alternating.

🔑 Drink mindfully 

Your date could in all likelihood be a holy person, yet going out as you probably are aware has a lot of intrinsic risks. Know about your environmental elements. Besides, you would prefer not to terrify off a pleasant person by getting excessively wild on your absolute first date.

🔑 Simply unwind 

First dates are absolutely nerve-wracking. He asked you out so he’s clearly intrigued. Try not to get all edgy, however, don’t transform into a jabbering stream all things considered. Accomplish something that loosens up you just before the date so you’re bound to act naturally, the individual he will go wild for.

🔑 Dress the part

Contingent upon where he’s taking you is the thing that you’ll rifle through your wardrobe for. In case it’s supper and a film, dress decently yet not excessively pleasant. In case you’re going on an undertaking, abandon those high heels.

◆ Best First Date Tips For Women ◆

◈ Be on time.

On your first date, it is crucial to keep time. Showing up late on your first date will be really disappointing to your partner.

Punctuality expresses a very positive vibe to your partner. They get to appreciate you more.

◈ Always have a good first impression.

The first impression you present yourself to your partner is always very important. They get to have that image of you in that cute dress every time they think of you.

Photo credits: pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

Get some good outfits for your occasion and dress accordingly. Be yourself, have something that makes you comfortable during the date.

◈ Always plan ahead for the date.

When you are meeting for the first date then you are supposed to plan ahead.

Make the plans 1 week prior to the official date. This gives you enough time to prepare yourself and get to familiarize yourself with the set location and be punctual.

 

◈ Talk about his ambitions and passions.

Guys love it when you ask them about their dreams and passion. By doing this they have a sense of importance in your life.

A Woman Taking Picture Of A Man
Photo credit: Pexels.com

You can engage in this conversation as you’re having your lunch or dinner or on a picnic. Get to know him better and what he desires.

◈ Don’t make the date be like an interview

Let the date be an enjoyable moment for you two. Talk about interesting stuff and avoid asking unnecessary questions that resemble a job interview.

Be open-minded and have friendly mature conversations about your lives.

◈ Give him compliments

It’s good to compliment someone when they have or have not dressed to kill. Small compliments here and there make someone feel comfortable and less confident in their choices of dressing.

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Photo credits: pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

Compliment him on his good etiquette skills. Let him be free and open with you.

◈ Don’t talk about other guys

Guys hate it when you are talking about other guys. At this moment it is a special day for both of you and it would be best if you keep your friends or other guy friends out of the picture.

Appreciate him for him and for being there with you on that day. Talking about what the guys is a big turn off to your date

◈ Be decisive

Most of the time we women take it hard to make a decision on what we want to eat. Maybe your partner recalls the type of food you love since you had informed him.

But, it’s best if the decision came out of you. If you are planning on going to a place and you’re not okay with its environs you can opt to make changes days before the due date time.

Be constant with your choice of selection.

◈ Be honest

Men love honest people. If you are not enjoying the date you should be honest with your partner and let them know how you feel about it.

Talking about it later might act as ignorance towards your partner’s choice of place to meet on the first date.

◈ Offer to chip in paying for the bill

Most of the time guys pay for the expenses that are incurred on dates or outings. You can offer to chip in a d pay some of the expenses.

But it will all depend on what you guys decide to do. It’s not an obligation that you are supposed to achieve but a request to help in making the payment. It will express that you are a financially independent woman.

❐ Most Effective First Date Tips For Men ❐

▣ Be normal.

Free stock photo of appartment, at home, at table
Photo credit: Pexels.com

As a man, you are supposed to be confident in yourself. Your body language will tell more about your intentions for the lady.

Good relationship advice that every man is supposed to know is don’t always try to impress a lady by what you have, if she truly loves you then she will stick around you no matter the circumstances.

▣ Always be punctual.

Aman should always lead by example. Let the lady find you at the coffee shop or the agreed set place. If you are to pick her up at her home place then be on time.

▣ Take pride in your appearance.

Women tend to love men who take time to prepare themselves and dress properly. Get that nice scented cologne that will leave your lady wanting more of your scent in her presence.

And that’s just a bonus tip to attract your lady. Dress appropriately for the date.

▣ Compliment her as much as possible.

Women love men who give them compliments on every they do. If she has an outstanding outfit make her feel like your cinderella. If her smile brightens your day let her know of that.

Small compliments are always appreciated. Let her feel special around you.

▣ Give her time to express herself to you.

Don’t let the date be all about you. Give her time to express her feelings and affections towards you. Know when to give turns when talking and always avoid the awkward moments of silence.

Photo credit: Pexel.com
Photo credit: Pexels.com

▣ You can opt to land a second date with her.

If the first date goes on well you can decide to pop u the question to her and see her reaction. The good news is that if you both enjoyed each other’s company then that implies that it was a great date.

▣ Keep in touch with her.

After a successful first date, you might want to keep the good vibes going on. You might want to plan on the next date and maybe this time around it won’t be as awkward as it was the first time.

💞 Tips to Make a First Date Less Awkward 💞

➽ Dress on something that is not too colorful or attention-seeking.

Thus it will avoid awkwardness during the date.

➽ Avoid asking too personal questions.

This makes your partner feel uncomfortable around you and insecure to express their feelings towards you.

➽ Plan something attractive and interactive.

If you want to make your first date special then take your time to look for the best place that will favor both of you. This will reduce the awkwardness and tension between you two.

➽ Avoid small talks.

Small talks are very boring on the first dates. if you are good at making jokes or cracking cheesy pickup lines then it’s your time to shine. Make the date lively.

➽ Put your phone away.

In this dating world, things have changed. Don’t bore your partner constantly being on your phone. Give your time and ear.

➽ Don’t make the date look like an official meeting in other words don’t make it seem like a job interview.

Make the conversations sweet and engaging.

🤓 Conclusions 🤓

Going on your first date can seem to be a very anxious day for both parties. There are a few things that you consider and know when you are preparing for your first date.

I hope the information above helps you to understand the key concepts that are needed on your first date. Enjoy yourself and spend time with your partner. He or she might be a good match for you. Have a successful first-date experience.

🤔 Relevant Questions 🤔

Q:  Should you kiss on the first date?

A: If your partner is comfortable then it’s not a crime to kiss on the first date. It will also depend on the present moment you’re in. In this modern world, you shouldn’t be afraid to portray your affection towards your partner.

Also, pay attention to the small things that they do, they might hint at wanting more than just communication with you.

Q: Who pays on a first date?

A: Anyone can pay. If the guy opts to pay then it’s okay. If you both opt to split the cheque then fine by you.

This shouldn’t be of any issue. You can talk with your partner and get to know what’s next. Maybe they are giving you a signal by making good or sexual eye contact.

Q: How long should first dates last?

A: It will depend on the place you both have planned to meet, your schedules, and what you are doing at the moment

There is no specific time for how late first dates should last. Have a good conversation and enjoy how the date is going on without worrying about anything.

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Ruth Jesse

Ruth is a life coach who specialises in relationships and career development. Outside work, she loves writing novels and guides for personal development.

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