A first date is all about getting to know the other person a little bit better and walking away with a sense of whether or not you want to see them again. And, vice versa. That's it.
However, there are times when we may not be our stellar best during that first date encounter. Here are just a few of the most common dating blunders every single secretly hopes goes unnoticed
during a first date:
All Nerves
Most singles dread the idea that their date will notice how awkward or
nervous they feel on the date. Know that it’s completely normal and that
chances are your date is just as nervous as you, if not more. Accept
this as reality, but know that it only lasts the first few moments. People need a few
minutes to feel comfortable, especially if they are the shy or
introverted type. Take a deep breath. Focus on a positive thought ("I'm going to rock this!" or "Here's to meeting a new friend").
Too Much Pre-Date Prep
Another thing singles secretly hope their date won’t ever
notice is how over-prepared for they might be for their date. This is especially the case for those with a tendency to
do an online search of their date before meeting them in person. For these people, the way to get over their nerves is to rehearse exactly what they want to talk about or how they are
going to say certain things. Going this route can make your comments sound fake. Our best advice, refrain from Googling your date’s
name, phone number or email address in search of talking points. Instead, spend your time researching current events or how to ask open-ended questions about thinks your don't know the answer to.
Less Than Stellar Appearance
Have you ever been tempted to cancel a date when a huge
pimple shows up on your face the morning of a first date? Or spilled
coffee on your shirt during lunch with no change of clothes or time to
go home before hand? Whether it’s minor flaws like these, an
uncomfortable outfit or a bad hair day, many singles quickly become
self-conscious about their appearance. Good news is -- everyone has had days like that. In fact, sharing how the stain happened or why you are missing the heel of your stilletto is a great way to break the ice and it helps create a bond between you and your date. One word of caution, it is within your best interest to avoid drawing attention to your flaws. Think of it as a job interview and stick to your best attributes and traits.
Dining Etiquette
Many people
get so used to eating comfortably in their home or around their close
friends and family, it slips their mind that their date is probably
watching their every move. Singles would be mortified to watch
themselves shove food into their mouths in front of their blind date
because they weren’t mindful of basic manners. If you really want to
show how classy you are at dinner, go to YouTube, type “dining
etiquette” in the search bar and watch a few of the videos that come up
for tips on how to present yourself. This will not only be good for you
on a date, but it will also be good to know just in case you have a big
meeting with a high-profile client or very important person within your
company or industry.
Fidgeting
Many singles tend to
fidget during a blind date if they feel uncomfortable. They wouldn’t
want to see what their date could see if their hands were shaking,
playing with their hair or biting their nails out of nervousness.
Fidgeting is a sign that one is not relaxed and possibly wants to leave
that date as soon as possible. Being uncomfortable during a blind date
can be a hard thing to hide and many would be horrified to watch
themselves fidget away in front of their date. Try to relax the best you
can and be aware of your body language. When you catch yourself
fidgeting, trying pinching yourself as a signal to the rest of your body
to cut it out.
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