10 First Date Hacks to Impress Your Date

For many singles, first dates can be scary, boring, or even downright discouraging. Tired of leaving first dates knowing they could have gone better?

With the right plan and strategic vibe going in, you can linger in your date’s mind long after saying goodbye.

Here are 10 game-changing first date hacks for men and women to impress your match!

Tips for Impressing Women on First Dates

Take initiative with planning

Few (if any) women would say they like a man who doesn’t show initiative. When it’s time to meet up IRL, the planning stage is your time to shine.

Instead of asking what she wants to do or where she wants to go, try the 5/3 method. Suggest five options spanning fun activities like amusement parks, romantic outings like dinner, and casual spots like coffee, and ask her for her top three. Then pick one or two and tell her where you’re going!

Send follow-ups before and after the date

If you don’t send a check-in text the morning of your scheduled date, you’re already on thin ice. All it takes is a quick text confirming plans to show her you care!

Similarly, no matter how the date ends, text her afterward to make sure she got home safely. This both demonstrates compassion and gives you an opportunity to keep the conversation going.

Be specific with compliments

When you first meet, immediately offer a compliment. But don’t opt for a generic one like ‘you look nice.’  Tell her that her dress compliments her eyes, her smile is stunning, you love the way she did her hair—you get the picture.

Use indecisiveness as an opportunity

When your date seems too nervous to speak her mind, make her feel comfortable with a confident decision. For example, if she can’t seem to decide on an appetizer, tell the waiter you’d like to order what she seems to want. Or, if you’re at a museum and she can’t choose a gallery, make a decision and express excitement.

Take care of the dinner bill before it comes

For bonus points, get your card to the waiter before the bill even arrives. Removing the awkward ‘who’s paying’ discussion is an easy way to keep the good vibes flowing and demonstrate thoughtfulness.

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Tips for Impressing Men on First Dates

Dig deeper on his interests

Some guys can be really bad at talking about themselves, even with their closest friends! Asking in-depth follow-up questions and giving them the platform to express their interests will make them appreciate their time with you even more. Try your best to avoid looking at your phone while chatting, too (texting mid-convo might shut them down).

Choose your seat carefully

For a flirtier energy at dinner, try sitting at the chair perpendicular to theirs instead of directly across. Conversing at a 45-degree angle feels more intimate than a head-on view.

Leverage eye contact and subtle touch

Want to send physical signals? When you lock eyes, don’t immediately look away. Lingering eye contact is a sure-fire way to catch their attention! Additionally, look for opportunities to initiate subtle, soft touch. Even something as simple as a brush on the hand or knee can plant you in their memory for days.

Show your authentic interests

Even though they’re not known for paying attention to detail, men can be surprisingly good at spotting when inauthenticity. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t hold back from talking about your own passions and interests. Like you, men are looking for someone genuine.

Level-up your lips and perfume

Instead of going all out on a brand new outfit, wear something you already know looks good (and ideally makes you feel comfortable). For that extra dose of glam, it’s more memorable to focus on tantalising perfume and sultry lip makeup. You already know why!

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