Going on a first date can feel daunting. From blind dates to online dates, not everyone feels confident when they meet a potential new lover for the first time. If you’re about to put yourself out onto the dating scene and want to know what you can do to feel more confident and fabulous, you’ve come to the right place.
Go on a Date When You’re Feeling Good
If you’re not in a great mood, you will instantly feel less confident and ready for a first date. If you’ve received bad news or something unexpected has happened before you’re due to meet, get in touch with your date to apologise and rearrange for another day. You are likely to have a better first date if you go when you’re feeling good. Listen to your favourite music, talk to a trusted friend, or eat a nutritious meal beforehand to boost your feel-good hormones.
Dress for the Date
It’s important to dress as you feel comfortable rather than trying to pull off an outfit you don’t feel confident wearing. Don’t feel like you need to wear bright colours or accessories that wouldn’t normally be your style. Wear clothes which comfortably fit your body’s shape – you can even explore clothing for different sizes such as plus size women’s clothing UK or petite clothing if these cater better to your needs.
Think About What to Say
A first date shouldn’t be scripted, but if you’re feeling a bit nervous it can be helpful to prepare a couple of conversation starters in advance. For example, ask your first date about their hobbies and passions, or find common ground talking about your favourite bars and restaurants. Tell them about a recent movie or play you have seen, or a book you’re planning to read. This can be helpful if both people are not very talkative or if you find silence during conversations awkward or uncomfortable.
Remember You Have Nothing to Lose
You’re meeting someone for the first time, and in most circumstances, there is nothing – or very little – to lose if things don’t go well. Taking this approach can help you to relax more ahead of your first date. There is no obligation to meet up again if things don’t go well, but you can think of it as an experience and a story for the future.
Stay Engaged
Engaging with your date and focusing on the present moment can help you to feel more confident about yourself. Body language such as smiling, laughing, maintaining eye contact, and hugging your date at the beginning or end of the date can all help to portray more confidence (and in turn help you to feel more confident too). Body language such as folding arms, looking away, and yawning can signal that you are disinterested and disengaged with the date.
A few simple steps could help you to feel more confident and fabulous when going on a first date. Stay in the present moment, be yourself, and enjoy the experience of meeting a potential new partner!
