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First dates can be pretty terrifying, especially if you don’t know the person you’re going out with very well. Actually, it’s usually not even the first date itself that’s so bad – it’s all of the worrying and stressing you do before the date even happens. We all worry about making a good first impression – even guys! – but don’t worry, girls: we’ve got some first date tips that will help you stop freaking out so much.
A new study shows eight of the top pre-first date fears – what people are most worried about before going on a first date. Since I’m sure we’ve all worried about at least one or two of these things before a date, I’ve put together ways you can get rid of these fears. Take a look at 8 of the most common first date fears and 8 tips on how to get rid of them and have a great first date:
If You're Worried About Bad Breath...
One of the top dating worries ever? Having bad breath. No one wants their mouth to smell stinky, especially if you'd like to give your date a little goodnight kiss. Embarrassing! Plus, bad breath is also one of the top dating turnoffs. To prevent bad breath from happening to you, brush your teeth and use mouth wash before you go on your date. Make sure you bring along a packet of mints (chewing gum on a date might be sort of rude and obnoxious) and keep them close. If you guys go out to dinner or get food, subtly pop a breath mint or two when you're done eating. Worried about his bad breath? Offer him one as a friendly gesture. Everybody loves mints! Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Your Outfit...
Stressing over what you're going to wear? First of all, relax - your date isn't going to judge you on your outfit as much as you'll judge yourself, you know? Second of all, take the time to plan. Don't wait until an hour before your date to hopefully find something cute - the pressure is going to make everything that much worse. If you have advance notice before your date, head to the mall and buy something you like. BUT keep in mind that your date outfit should be comfortable for you - don't wear something that's too tight or too painful (like really high heels). Part of looking good in an outfit is owning it and you can't own it if you feel like ripping your clothes off and putting on sweats. Also go with your own style - let your personality shine through what you're wearing. Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Ugly Nails...
This seems really odd to me, but apparently "ungroomed nails" are a top dating turnoff. Who knew your date was paying so much attention to your nails? If you want yours to look perfect, spurge on a manicure the day of the date. Going a few days before means your nails will most likely chip. If you have a habit of biting your nails - stop! And don't stress over getting some super expensive, Pinterest-looking nail art. As long as your nails look relatively clean and trim, you should be fine. Plus, if someone is going to judge you entirely on your nails, do you really want to date them? Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Body Odor...
Not surprisingly, body odor is a top dating turnoff also. Stressed over possibly being smelly? Take the proper precautions, girl! First, check out these 10 amazing products that will help keep you from being sweaty. Before your date, make sure you're wearing a strong deodorant that works for your bod. Put on perfume, but don't spray half the bottle on yourself - that may be worse than smelling like sweat. Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Having A Bad Hair Day...
The thing that sucks about bad hair days is that they can happen anytime because your hair doesn't care about what you have planned. To prevent this from happening on a first date, I would say don't try any crazy new hairstyles or techniques you've never done before. Go with a style you're comfortable with and you know looks good on you, no matter how "boring" it may seem to you. Also, figure out what you're most worried about - does your hair get frizzy when it rains and there's a thunder storm happening? Use extra frizz protection. Maybe you tried to style it and it came out terribly and your date will be ready in 10 minutes. Put it in a cute braid or sock bun. Voila! Adorable. Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Looking Fat...
Don't. First of all, I'm sure you don't look fat. Second of all, if your date thought you were fat and ugly, do you think they would have asked you out or agreed to go out with you in the first place? Um, probably not. Third of all, confidence is the most important thing to bring with you on a first date. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you look gorgeous. Because guess what? You probably do. Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Your Makeup...
Figuring out what to do with our makeup might make you freak out a little bit. Keep in mind that one of the top dating turnoffs is too much makeup, so for your first date, focus on keeping things simple and a little more natural. You don't need to be a beauty pro to do a super pretty natural look - use a neutral eye shadow, a swipe of mascara and eyeliner and cover up with foundation, bronzer and a little blush. If you hate wearing makeup, don't feel like you have to wear it for a date. And if you want to go all out? Hey, go for it! Who says you have to follow all the rules? Source: ShutterStockIf You're Worried About Food Getting Stuck In Your Teeth...
If you're going out to dinner with a date, you're inevitably going to wonder, at some point, if there is a piece of pesky food hanging out in your gums. Ick. To prevent it from happening, run your tongue over your teeth after you take a bite of your food to try to feel things out. Go to the bathroom after eating to make sure you're all good. If you're going to the movies, you might want to avoid popcorn - that has a tendency to get stuck in your teeth. But all in all, there's not a ton you can do to stop this from happening. If you do end up getting food stuck there, laugh it off. It happens to all of us and isn't the end of the world. And if you can make a joke about it, I guarantee your date will be seriously impressed with your ability to not take yourself so seriously. Source: ShutterStockWhat are you most worried about before a first date? Have you ever had any first date disasters? Tell us in the comments!
What a bad first date is REALLY like, in GIFs
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