Master being natural on a date
A case of the butterflies before an impending date is perfectly common. We all want to make a good impression but somehow dating has been built up to be a more frightening prospect that it actually is. Remember, a date is just two people getting together and having a chat. The best and most important advice going into any date is to just be yourself! However, it is easier said than done. So if you’re feeling a bit anxious, here are four tips to ease the worries and be your great self on your date.
Wear your favourite outfit
Dating advice will always tell you to dress to impress and while it is certainly true that you should put effort into your appearance, it is also equally important you are comfortable in your attire. Don’t wear clothes that aren’t you just because your friend picked it out or because it is on trend. Wear an outfit that you have worn before and feel great it. It is amazing how the right clothes can give you confidence.
Ask questions and listen
A common worry for many approaching a date is: what exactly to talk about or the dreaded awkward silence. Pauses are a natural part of the flow of a conversation so don’t become worried if there are a few. If you are worried, a simple solution is asking your date plenty of questions. With a little prodding, people love to talk and it not only shows you are interested but deflects attention from you. Genuinely listening and concentrating on what your date is saying will also stop any niggling anxious thoughts from propping up.
Pre-date pep talk
There is a tendency on dates to embellish the truth, usually stemming from the innocuous desire to make a good impression. However, pretending to be someone you are not is much harder than being who you are! And why would you? Take a moment for a pre-date pep talk and identify the wonderful qualities you possess that would make any person lucky to date you. If you’re feeling unsure, recruit friends and families for support. They will boost your self-esteem (everyone needs a boost once in a while) and give you the confidence to embrace an upcoming date.
Keep expectations simple
First date jitters are usually a result of over-thinking things. The mind tends to go into overdrive when there are so many unknowns: who the person is, how the date will go and if there is a future. This will naturally make you nervous because there is a lot up in the air. Instead of thinking about the dreaded “date” just think of it as an opportunity to meet someone new. That’s it. If it does go well, you can think about the next date. Having no expectations frees up your anxiety and lets you enjoy getting to know somebody.
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