The 3 Biggest First Date Do's and Don'ts

You swiped right, you matched, then you slide into their DMs. Now it’s time for the make-or-break first date (eek!). But what should you wear? How should you act? What should you talk about?

We’re sorry to say that there’s no golden formula to an incredible first date, but that’s the beauty of love – it varies from person to person! And while we can’t say for sure what your date will be into, it’s safe to say that you’ll both want to make a good first impression. And that starts with following these 3 first date do’s and don’ts.

Notepad ready? Let’s go.

3 Dating Do’s

1. Put some thought into how you dress  

We’re not saying you should roll up in a Tom Ford tux, but it’s good to put some thought into how you’re dressing for your first date. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Is the outfit practical for the activity you’re doing?
  Sports and heels don’t mix well
• Are you likely to spill some food on your shirt?
  If so, avoid anything light-coloured
• Do your clothes have creases?
  You should look like you’ve made some sort of effort
• Will you be warm or cool enough in your outfit?

It might be 2023, but sweat patches still aren’t sexy

Ask questions about your date

It doesn’t matter who your date is or what they’re into, everyone loves to talk about themselves. That’s why, if we just had one piece of first dating advice to give, it would be this. But that’s not to say that the conversation should be entirely one-sided. Think of it like a dance – you ask a question, they’ll (hopefully) ask one back, and you can get into a great rhythm of getting to know each other!

Make an effort to smell good

Obviously, good hygiene will never not be attractive, but did you know that how you smell can massively influence how your date feels about you? This is because our sense of smell is linked to the brain’s limbic system – the primitive part that controls feelings and memories. Basically, your scent can literally spark primal feelings on your first date. ‘Love at first smell’ might not sound as romantic, but we’ve got to honour the science!

Don’t

Spend the whole time trying to impress your date

At Verge, we’re all about showcasing the real you so that you can find real love that lasts. That means embracing your flaws and just being yourself on a date.

Okay, we know you obviously want to leave a good impression, but that doesn’t mean you should spend the whole time peacocking. Trust us – your date will find it unbearable if all you talk about is your achievements or how perfect your life is. Don’t be afraid to get a little goofy or show them your soft side – if you’re a good match they’ll find it super attractive.

Be too shy or unconfident

You’re about to meet a complete stranger for the first time, probably in the hope that some day you’ll get married and have kids… If you aren’t a little nervous, you’re doing it wrong!

Nerves are a completely normal part of dating, but they’re definitely not something that you want to channel with your body language or what you’re saying. Sadly, it can be a little offputting for your date if you don’t loosen up. Remember, confidence is the sexiest thing in the world! Here are some tips for coming across as more confident:

• Keep your body language open – talk with your hands and make eye contact
• Tell your date if you’re a little nervous at the start – they probably are too!
• Don’t fidget – grab yourself a drink if it helps keep your hands busy
• Mentally prepare some questions to ask your date to save any awkward silence
• Wear something that makes you feel your best

Unload all your emotional baggage or personal drama

We know it can be tempting to tell a first date everything about your personal life. You might even feel like you owe it to them to let them know about your emotional baggage. But save it for a little later on. You don’t know if you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone after meeting them once. First dates are a test to see if any attraction is there. You should make your decision about whether or not you want to see that person again before bringing up all the drama in your life. Trust us – they’ll have their own drama too.

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