Bring your A game to your first date
Are you losing sleep over how to win brownie points on the first date? Are you worried that you might end up boring your date, and putting them off with your eccentricities? We spoke to a few relationship experts, who gave us a few tips, on how one should behave on their first date.
Plan an engaging conversation where you get to express yourself while giving space to the other person to express himself/ herself. Don’t keep talking about yourself, or boast about your career and life. On the day of your date, engage yourself in a few activities so that you don’t end up thinking too much about your first rendezvous. Always choose a familiar setting for your first date. For example, choose a restaurant or a café, where you are most comfortable, and you are aware about the menu.
If your date wants to leave, let them. Don’t try to hold on to them by saying things like,
FROM A NERVOUS SMILE TO A SWEAT STAINED SHIRTS, THIS IS THE STORY OF EVERY PERSON ON THEIR FIRST DATE. HERE ARE SOME DATING TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU ACE YOUR GAME
lets go out for a drink, or for an ice cream. Don’t give your date the feeling that you are being possessive or too desperate.
Be yourself. Don’t try to change anything about yourself, especially physical. Don’t get a new hairstyle. Keep a familiar look about yourself. Dress what you are most comfortable in. Always behave politely with the staff of the restaurant or wherever you are in the public space.
If you feel like your date is going really well, don’t try to make any long-term commitments.
Watch your body language and express positivity, warmth, and openness. Present your authentic self and avoid too much impression management.
(Inputs by clinical psychologists Pulkit Sharma and Priyanka Varma)