Have Yourself a Handful of Sage First Date Advice

Going on a first date? It’s safe to say that you may be on the nervous side, even for a bit. That being said, the first date advice I’m going to give you is try not to be nervous. Oh, perhaps a bit of the jitters is good, but none of that hands-shaking-and-sweating thing that you are a failure at conversation. Nervous excitement is good. Fearful nervousness is not.

Relax, it’s just a date. For many people, however, a lot could be riding on a first date, not that you should be discussing the names of your future children just yet. But it is understandable how stressful these dates are. Have a look at several words of advice from the many who have survived it, a chockfull of first date advice:

Wear Comfy Clothes. This doesn’t mean you wear sweats and go barefoot on your date, but do wear something sensible. Save the corsets and the suit you can’t move in for later. You don’t want to appear too fussy or too stiff for your date. And also pay attention to what you’ll be wearing. You don’t want to send the wrong message to your date now, do you?

Mind Your Manners. Honestly, this should be part and parcel of everyone’s lives, not just on first dates, but I’ve heard of enough first date horror stories regarding rude dates that I felt the need to include it here. Manners don’t grow old. Do open the door for your date. Do say “Please,” and “Thank you.” These little things could make the big difference between a winning date and a failed one.

Keep the Conversation Light. I’m sure you both have valid opinions with regards to world issues, politics, religion and all those topics that matter, but for a first date, stay out of these highly debatable topics. You’re on a date, not a debate society meeting.

Speaking of Conversations, Don’t Dominate. Roughly translated as:Don’t talk too much. Let the other person say something that would keep the conversation going. More often than not, talking too much is one of the reasons a second date is not in order. You two are trying to get to know one another. Let the other person have a say.

Respect Your Date’s Time. This means don’t be late, be ready on time, don’t cancel at the last minute, and worst of all: Don’t stand your date up. Not only is this a sign of disrespect, you scar your own reputation. Your date is a person too with his own schedules and activities and appointments. If something truly sudden comes up, like an emergency, inform your date and ask to reschedule. He may or may not agree to reschedule but at least you weren’t rude and bad-mannered.