Top 3 Tips for a Successful First Date
You're nervous, you're excited, maybe even downright stressed, but the best thing you can do is try to relax. You can't be yourself if you're too uptight. Visualize your date going well, and it probably will. Although dinner and a movie might be traditional, consider something different for a first date. A two-hour movie where you don't talk is not a good way to get to know each other. A two-hour dinner where you're forced to do nothing but converse is too much pressure. Meeting during the day for an hour's lunch or for coffee can take the pressure off. It's also a good way to leave them wanting more— to know more about you and to want to get together again. Dating is supposed to be fun, so ensure you enjoy your date by keeping these top tips in mind:
* Choose an activity where you don't really have to be "good" at anything like you would by playing baseball or cooking. The pressure to perform is off and you don't have to worry about "failing." Visit a zoo or museum, or take a walk. If you find you don't have much in common, at least you'll have the activity itself to talk about.
* Help the other person feel comfortable and you'll automatically feel that way, too. Compliment them, but it's GOT to be sincere. If you really don't like their shoes, don't mention them.
* Listen to what your date says. Don't interrupt and to show you really heard them and are interested in what they have to say, ask a question or make a relevant comment. That's the basis of a good conversation.
Does all this seem a little obvious? A little too simple? Of course. But just like good manners, sometimes the basics fall by the wayside when you're under pressure, so a little reminder goes a long way.
* Choose an activity where you don't really have to be "good" at anything like you would by playing baseball or cooking. The pressure to perform is off and you don't have to worry about "failing." Visit a zoo or museum, or take a walk. If you find you don't have much in common, at least you'll have the activity itself to talk about.
* Help the other person feel comfortable and you'll automatically feel that way, too. Compliment them, but it's GOT to be sincere. If you really don't like their shoes, don't mention them.
* Listen to what your date says. Don't interrupt and to show you really heard them and are interested in what they have to say, ask a question or make a relevant comment. That's the basis of a good conversation.
Does all this seem a little obvious? A little too simple? Of course. But just like good manners, sometimes the basics fall by the wayside when you're under pressure, so a little reminder goes a long way.
First Date No-Nos!
It's natural to be nervous when you're meeting someone in person for the first time. You might be excited to put your best foot forward, but while you're doing that, be sure it doesn't get stuck in your mouth!
• Never spend your first date speaking about your previous relationships and dating partners. Nothing is a bigger turnoff or more boring. It's OK to answer questions, if asked, but don't dwell on the negatives too much.
• Don’t monopolize the conversation by centering too much on your own stories and needs.
• Don’t share your deepest, darkest secrets (and everyone has some) on your first date. Of course you want to be honest and open, but allow some time to get to know each other in person first before getting too deep.
• Don’t overstay your first date. Spending too much time on your first date is similar to a preacher who had a great sermon for the first 30 minutes, but unfortunately he stretched it out for 60. Yawn!
• Make sure that you end your date in a way that leaves them wanting more of you, not less.
• Never spend your first date speaking about your previous relationships and dating partners. Nothing is a bigger turnoff or more boring. It's OK to answer questions, if asked, but don't dwell on the negatives too much.
• Don’t monopolize the conversation by centering too much on your own stories and needs.
• Don’t share your deepest, darkest secrets (and everyone has some) on your first date. Of course you want to be honest and open, but allow some time to get to know each other in person first before getting too deep.
• Don’t overstay your first date. Spending too much time on your first date is similar to a preacher who had a great sermon for the first 30 minutes, but unfortunately he stretched it out for 60. Yawn!
• Make sure that you end your date in a way that leaves them wanting more of you, not less.
Always Drive Yourself to the First Date
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people find love through online dating services. You can, too. Most offer a fun, safe environment that gives you control over your online dating experience, allowing you to progress at your own pace in order to establish a healthy relationship — whether it's just a casual friendship you're after, or a passionate, lasting romance. Don't be afraid to make connections, but also remember to exercise caution when getting to know people online and off-line.
#1 rule of thumb for a first date: DON'T ask the other person to pick you up. Get yourself to and from the date, even if you have a friend drop you off, or take public transportation. DON'T succumb to the temptation to take first dates to your home (or to go to his/her home). Stay in a public place. If you feel pressured, end the date and leave at once. If you are followed to where you parked your car, stop and hail a taxi or go into another public place to use the telephone and phone a friend. Come back later with your friend to get your car.
#1 rule of thumb for a first date: DON'T ask the other person to pick you up. Get yourself to and from the date, even if you have a friend drop you off, or take public transportation. DON'T succumb to the temptation to take first dates to your home (or to go to his/her home). Stay in a public place. If you feel pressured, end the date and leave at once. If you are followed to where you parked your car, stop and hail a taxi or go into another public place to use the telephone and phone a friend. Come back later with your friend to get your car.
Turn Off Your Cell Phone!
People yakking on their cell phone is becoming public enemy number one. It seems like a no-brainer, but turn it OFF while on your date. No one looks attractive with an electronic device hanging off the side of their head. And what a way to make someone right in front of you feel unimportant— answering calls while on a date. Just don't do it. If you have to check with the babysitter, excuse yourself, go to the rest room or slip outdoors for a brief moment and call home. Focus on the person you're with— don't allow interruptions from a ringing cell phone.
Thanks for visiting this online dating resources website today. This is not a dating site. Instead, it is a resource for both single men and single women to get information, online dating tips, e-books written by dating experts, dating site descriptions, and best online dating links that will help you connect with other singles and have more fun doing it! Online dating greatly increases your chances of meeting only the type of person you want to meet, whether that be a certain age, or religion, or cultural and ethnic background, or sexual orientation. Online dating is a numbers game so try more than one site and see what happens. Online dating is inexpensive (many are even free), and there is no long-term commitment. The opportunity to meet more like-minded singles with interests and goals similar to your own is much greater online than you will ever by chance meet in your own neighborhood or at work or in a bar. You have nothing to lose. Include the Internet in your search for someone special! If you haven't tried online dating yet, give it a try— it's efficient and effective! Please bookmark this site and return often whenever you need online dating resources.