There are many different ways to go on a date. It can be as simple as going out for ice cream or as complicated as going on a double date with your closest friends.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of dating and want some pointers, or if you’ve been on various dates in the past but want to do things differently this time around, read on!
Here are some great tips that will help you with any type of date from A to Z – from whether to text first, what to wear when and how to be a good wingman.
Be prepared
It’s always best to be prepared on a date, even if it’s just a casual first date with a friend. Plan some activities that you’ll be able to suggest to your date and have some small, fun things that you can do to show your date that you’re excited to spend time with them.
So if you’re planning to go to a movie or an outdoor event, pack a picnic or a blanket to make it even more fun for both of you. If you’re planning to go on a date night out, pack a light but comfortable outfit that you can wear to bed or wear it again the next day for lunch or another activity.
If you’re planning to go to a restaurant where you’ll be spending a lot of time in there, take some small, fun things like flowers, candy, or some snacks that you know they’ll enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to take initiative
First dates are a great opportunity to show your dates that you’re interested in them by taking the initiative to go out on a date with them. If you’re meeting your date for the first time, you might want to contact your friends’ dates or the person that you’re going out with to see if they’re willing to go out on a date with you.
If you’re meeting someone’s friend or date, you might want to ask if they’d be willing to take a few minutes with you to get to know each other better.
If someone is interested in going out on a date with you, don’t be afraid to ask them. It can be nerve-wracking to ask someone out, but if someone is interested in going out on a date with you, they’ll probably be excited to go out on a date with you too.
Text first or last
If you’re meeting up with a friend, you can text them first to see if they’re interested in going out on a date with you. If you’re meeting a crush or a date for the first time, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to text them first. If you’re meeting up with a friend, you can let them know if you’re going to be a few minutes late by letting them know that you’ll be texting.
This will give you a little bit of time to let the nerves subside and you’ll be less likely to send a text that you’ll be embarrassed about later. If it’s a date that you’re meeting for the first time, you can let them know that you’re going to be late, or let them know that you’d like to meet up with them at a specific time to avoid any awkward situations.
Be genuine and respectful
Your date might be shy, have social anxiety, or be a bit nervous when they meet you for the first time. Try to be genuine and respectful when you meet them, show them a little bit of your personality, and be yourself when you meet them.
If you’re meeting up with a friend, tell your date that you’ve been friends with them for a while and let them know a little bit about yourself. If you’re meeting a date for the first time, let them know about yourself and be genuine with yourself as well!
While you don’t want to overshare all the time, you don’t want to be too reserved either. If you feel you’re being too reserved or too serious, you can take the opportunity to lighten the mood a little by telling a joke or doing a light activity with your date.
Be flexible
When you go on a date, it can be easy to feel pressured to do a kiss-and-dunk. However, you shouldn’t feel pressured to go all in on a first date, especially if you’ve just met your date.
Instead, try to enjoy the time you spend with your date and try to have fun on your date. If your date wants to do something that you’re not interested in doing, be open-minded and flexible towards them. If you’ve been out on a couple of dates, you’ll know that each date can be a little different than the last.
If your date wants to try a new activity or eat something that you’re not too crazy about, try to be open-minded and flexible. If you’ve been out on a few dates, you’ll know that each date can be a little different than the last.
If you know that your date tends to ask you out a lot or is particularly nice or asks you out, try to be flexible and open-minded towards them. If you’ve been out on a few dates, you’ll know that each date can be a little different than the last. If you know that your date tends to ask you out a lot or is particularly nice or asks you out, try to be flexible and open-minded towards them.
Bottom line
While you don’t want to be too flexible on a first date, you don’t want to be too closed-minded either. Be open-minded and flexible towards your date, show your date that you’re genuine and respectful towards them, and don’t let yourself get too nervous or too shy. Be yourself, and you’ll have a great time on your first date!
