How to Act on a First Date

From LoveToKnow Dating

Knowing how to act on a first date is important if you are interested in having a long-term relationship. First impressions mean everything when you take someone on a date. Don't let the reason why your date doesn't want to go out with you again be because of your behavior.

Understanding How to Act on a First Date

Understanding how to act on a first date will help you get future dates if you are interested in the person. If you are able to act appropriately, you will know that if the person doesn't want to hang out with you again it's because he or she doesn't think you are compatible rather than because you acted like a fool. The following are some suggestions on how to act on a first date:

Call ahead

If you are going to be late for any reason, call as far ahead as possible. Being courteous will show your date that you care and regretful for not making it in time.

Show preparation

Show your date that you have been thinking about the meeting for a while by bringing a little gift such as a flower or having a plan for the date.

Dress well

Don't just throw on a wrinkled shirt and jeans. Choose an outfit that is nice and appropriate for whichever activity you have chosen to do with your date.

Remember manners

Don't forget your manners! Know proper table etiquette, say all the right polite words, be courteous and take the time to listen to your date.

Keep it light

The first date is not the time to discuss religion, politics or any other heated debatable topic unless you have known this person for a long time and know how he or she will react to a discussion such as this.

Watch your speech

Many people who are nervous will talk too much or too quickly leaving the other person bored and frustrated. Take a step back, allow your date to talk, and always pay attention to the rate of your speech. In addition, do not use slang or vulgarity unless you are sure he or she won't be offended.

Don't expect sex

If it happens, great, but don't expect it or you will surely ruin your chance for any future dates. If you are usually an over affectionate person, try to control yourself on the first date. You don't want to make your date feel uncomfortable because of your advances.

Control your drinking

If the date involves going somewhere for drinks, don't get drunk. Being intoxicated and having your date take care of you is not a good way to start a relationship.

Don't mention the future

After an hour or two, you may be excited that you have finally found someone you have things in common with, however, don't start making future plans with this person just yet. You don't know how the other person feels about you and you don't want to scare your date off if he or she is not ready for a long term commitment with you.

Don't mention the past

Don't talk about past relationships because it will just make your date believe that you are still hung up on one or more of them.

Don't talk badly about others

Discussing others is fine especially if you work with the person or have mutual friends, however, don't allow it to take up most of your time together. You don't want your date thinking that you can't discuss anything but other people; making him or her wonder if you will say something negative about him or her later on to someone else.

Give an appropriate goodnight kiss

If your date gives you the signs that he or she is open to a goodnight kiss, don't think it's your cue for a make out session. Kiss gently and for a short time (more than a peck but less than a minute).

Now Have Fun on Your First Date

Now that you know how to act appropriately on your first date, go out and have a good time. Don't let these suggestions put more pressure on you. Just be respectful and lighthearted, and you will be fine. If your date doesn't go as well as you expected, just take what happened as a lesson so it doesn't happen again in future ones with other people.

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