A first date with someone you’ve never met before can be really scary, even if you’ve got to know someone well online. It’s even scarier when you’ve been out of the dating game for a while. First impressions are everything and we want to be the best version of ourselves, but how can we be when we’re a sweaty, shakey mess? Here are a few tips on how to get comfortable and have a good time…

Get pumped up
It helps if you’re not sitting around the house counting down the minutes until your date. Having a drink with a friend before will get you into the right setting and by the time your date arrives, your nerves will have subsided. Alternatively, put some loud, upbeat music on when you’re getting ready, pour yourself a drink and have a little dance in your living room. It might sound silly, but it will give you an energy boost and get you in a fun mood.

Don’t expect anything
Your goal on this date is to have fun. You’re not going on a job interview; you’re just meeting up with someone to fill your spare time. It’s easy to get carried away with fantasies of a relationship/holidays/marriage/babies(!) etc. because that might be the end goal for you, but just because you’re going on a date with this person; it doesn’t mean that you’re going to end up with them. Focus on enjoying yourself and not pleasing someone else or being someone’s idea of a ‘perfect date’. When you’re relaxed, your real personality will shine through and that’s way more attractive than pretending to be something you’re not.

Choose a fun date activity
A date doesn’t always have to be drinks, choose an activity you really enjoy or would like to try and you’ll be thinking more about the activity rather than the person you’re doing it with. Plan to meet in setting that you’re familiar with and it will be like it’s you’re territory, making you more comfortable and confident.

Be prepared
Have an idea of some questions or topics of conversation you’d like to talk to your date about; this will help with the ‘what if there’s an awkward silence’ panic. Plan to get stuck into a conversation as soon as you’re done with the pleasantries, this will make you look and feel more confident. You should also prepare for your ride home and emergency back-up plan; make sure your phone is fully charged and you have an excuse ready for a quick exit – just in case you’re date is a disaster!

REMEMBER:
-Tell a friend where you’re going and who you’re going with
-Make sure you’ve had at least one phone conversation first
-Always meet in a public place!

Until next time,

The Just Singles Team.

About the author…

Rachel is a Marketing Executive. She’s obsessed with Game of Thrones and country music. Her favourite pastime is cuddling up with her two Labradors and binge watching Netflix.