Ever been on a date and felt like you were second-guessing every word that came out of your mouth? We all have! But with enough confidence-building tips, anyone can walk into any date feeling great about themselves. No doubt, we all want to be the best possible version of ourselves for anyone else who might come into our life.
Therefore, this list entails ten tips to help you increase your dating confidence so that you don’t feel nervous or intimidated by the prospect of meeting someone new for the first time.
1. Make Your First Impression Count
First impressions matter – especially for a successful first date. By doing the right things on a first date, you are setting yourself up for more unique experiences with the partner. The way you dress, your body language and your behaviour will all be considered when deciding if they want to see you again.
Well, this doesn’t mean you need to wear a tuxedo or a ball gown. But, having a shower, a shave and putting on something suitable will help impress your date and lay down good foundations on which to build from.
2. Set the Date in a Familiar Territory
It’s tough to think of a perfect place to go on a first date unless you already know what the person likes. Since you want this date to go as smooth as silk, you ought to eliminate all the anxiety and apprehensions of anything going wrong.
Therefore, plan the meeting at a location you both are familiar with so that the two of you are comfortable. However, try to avoid your typical spots as you don’t want any of your friends or relatives to bump into your date.
3. Start Off With Confidence
First, it is essential to project confidence when meeting your date at the start. Make eye contact and smile while keeping a relaxed posture with controlled movements. This will help the other person feel comfortable and excited about what’s coming.
Moreover, make the conversation light and playful by starting with some banter. If you are a bit shy, just find the subject that interests you most. Your potential date will sense your dating confidence as you will initiate talks passionately.
4. Turn Off Your Phone
There’s nothing more off-putting and annoying than phones ringing whilst you’re trying to spend quality time with friends. It’s just as, if not more, irritating on a date. You might think turning off ringers or vibrate will solve this problem, but that doesn’t work either. This is because you’ll still get distracted when they ping or buzz.
When someone is really into their partner on a date, they want them focused entirely. So make sure to turn the whole thing off for the duration.
5. Don’t Do All the Talking
On your date, make sure you don’t dominate the conversation. It’s supposed to be a two-way street, so it won’t work if only one person is talking about themselves all of the time. Moreover, there will be moments when silence may make you feel uncomfortable or awkward.
So, how to be confident on a date with a guy when such a situation arises? Well, do not fret if there are pauses in the conversation. Instead, ask some cool first date questions that’ll help transform whatever lulls into something interesting.
6. Keep the Conversation Fun and Interesting
The best dates are the ones where the two of you can have a lot of fun. So, try to keep your conversation generally light-hearted. Also, do not dwell on the things you’re unhappy about in life. Put those out of your mind and instead focus on having a perfect time.
If you plan to meet for drinks, go to a place with darts, a pool table, or karaoke to make it more interesting. Plus these activities will give you something to talk about so that your date doesn’t turn boring and instead shows your dating confidence.
7. Ask Important and Relevant Questions
Perhaps, one of the most important things to remember when going on a first date is that it’s an opportunity for you to get to know about your potential mate. For a successful first date, you need to understand that you can get the information without being too intrusive or forward.
You can also take some time out and check our Portia Roberts YouTube channel if you wish to learn how to be confident on a date with a guy or a girl. You will find some relevant first date questions here.
8. Avoid the ‘ex’ conversation
If you’re looking for love, don’t ever bring up that old flame. Asking about their past could make them feel uncomfortable, and it might lead to the conversation going south quickly. Therefore, do not bring him/her into the conversation on your first date.
Keep things light by sticking with neutral topics until there’s more common ground – like favourite movies. However, if your date brings up the subject, try to keep answers concise. Reassure them that your past is just that, the past.
9. Paying the Bill
The decision about paying a restaurant tab can be complicated. But one thing’s certain: you should never let your finances interfere with how much fun you have with someone new.
Besides, the best way to decide who pays the bill on a date is when it starts. Establishing finance situations at the beginning of dates makes both people feel more secure. In addition, it will make for an enjoyable evening full of bonding over shared financial values.
On the first date, however, it is recommended that men pay the bill, and if there are multiple dates in the near future, she can take that responsibility later.
10. Follow Up Correctly
If you don’t want another date, be honest. Don’t offer false hope by saying you’ll call them back. You might end up feeling guilty, and your date could get hurt. Just thank them for the night out or dinner together and maintain good communication skills. Respect each other’s choices and express yourself honestly.