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When it comes to a first date, there can be some anxiety, some excitement… basically all sorts of emotions. After all, this is unexplored territory! Take comfort in the fact that those jitters and feelings are totally normal and happen to everyone. Honestly, even if it’s not your very first date but just a first date with someone new, you can still get that feeling of slight panic in your stomach.
I asked around and had women weigh in on what sorts of advice they wish they’d had before their first date and what they’ve learned from their own experiences. Need to calm your nerves about your first date? Well, look no further than these ten tips.
It Could Happen When Least Expected
Before your first date, it's easy to get really hung up on the "when." The thing is that you can get asked out at totally unexpected times. Don't get worried or stressed - instead focus on living your life in the moment and be open to a date invitation surprising you. Source: Shutterstock.comYou Don't Have To Reinvent Yourself
You want to feel confident and comfortable on your date. That doesn't mean you have to try something totally new with your hair or buy different clothes. Do what you need to do to make yourself feel great about how you look, but don't feel like you need to change who you are at all. Source: Shutterstock.comThere Will Be Awkward Moments
While ideally we'd have a first date fit for a romantic movie, that will probably not happen. Your parents will probably want to meet your date (they may even have to drive you there) and you might say something weird or get something caught in your teeth. Don't hold yourself to a totally unreasonable expectations. Expect a little awkward and you'll both be able to roll with it. Source: Shutterstock.comEat What You Want
Seriously, just be comfortable and true to yourself by eating whatever you want on your date. Honestly, it's unlikely that your date will really even notice. You don't need to be self-conscious about ordering the "right" type or amount of food on a date, because there is no such thing. Whatever you want to order is the right thing! Source: Shutterstock.comVisit The Bathroom
Obviously, yes if you really need to go, but also use it as a place where you can collect your thoughts or give yourself a little pep talk. It's a quiet space to yourself where you can think for a second and update your friends if need be (especially because you don't want to be texting at the table). Source: Shutterstock.comHave An Out Just In Case
In all seriousness, do have a person you can use as an "out." If a date starts putting pressure on you, acting mean or you are just getting a really icky vibe, have someone who you know will be there to come get you or give you a reason to bail. A first date can sometimes have awkward moments, but it should never be something that makes you uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Source: Shutterstock.comFigure Out The Bill
Don't let the issue of paying stress you out too much - just don't make assumptions your date will pay. If your date offers, let them pay (you don't want to protest it so much that you come off as rude). Splitting it is a great option or if you have the funds, you can offer to pay on your date, as well. Alternatively, you don't even need to go on a date where you have to pay for it to "count." Dollars spent doesn't equal how much you two may like one another. Source: Shutterstock.comTo Kiss Or Not To Kiss?
There is no kissing requirement at all. You don't owe your date a makeout sesh if he buys you dinner or anything like that. Kissing is something you should want to do, not something you feel like you have to do. That said, there also isn't anything wrong with wanting to kiss on your first date. If it feels right to both of you, that's all that matters. Source: Shutterstock.comTime For Goodbye
Goodbyes can be a little awkward. Do you feel like your parents are standing right behind the doorway as you say goodbye on your porch? They very well could be. If you don't want to kiss, should you go for a handshake or hug or wave? The first date goodbye is just one of those things in life that you can't really rehearse. Just don't be worrying about this before the date is even over. Do what feels right in the moment. Source: Shutterstock.comWhat Happens Next?
Sometimes it seems like once the date is over, you're through the hard part and you just want to unwind. That said, there may be some follow-up to do after the date. If you had a good time and want to go out again, say so! If you're not really interested in a second date, that's also totally fine to express. It might feel a little strange either way, but try not to leave your date with no idea where you stand after you go out that first time. In dating, straightforward tends to be golden. Source: Shutterstock.comDo you have any advice for girls getting ready for their first date? Tell me in the comments.
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