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Looking to avoid those awkward silences?
After weeks of hand-wringing, you’ve finally worked up the courage to ask out the object of your affections. What’s more, they’ve agreed to go out with you.
You’re flying high for a day or two as you look forward to the date. Nothing can bring you down from this rarified air.
But before long, you’ve been shot by the infamous poacher known as anxiety. With your wingspan so badly wounded, you struggle to maintain your altitude.
You start to descend into dangerous airspace known as “What if we have nothing to talk about?” and “What if my jokes don’t land?” And before you know it, you’re circling “What if I get food poisoning and throw up on them?”
Suffice it to say, first dates can be as nerve-wracking as they are exciting. But don’t fret, we’re here to take you in and nurse you back to health, like the delicate bird that you are.
Just keep a few of these things in mind and you shall soar high on confidence once again.
Book in advance or have a backup location
So you rock up to your favourite bar or eatery, keen to show off how in tune you are with the local food scene, only to find that the place is absolutely rammed and you and your date would be lucky to get a standing spot by the doors of the jacks.
It happens. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to picking a place to stage your date. Have a second place in mind that you can go to if your number one place falls through.
The worse thing that could happen in this situation is that you find yourself wandering around town looking for a suitable location. This removes any of that hassle and lets you worry about more important things, like trying not to throw up on your date’s shoes.
Keep some conversation starters in your back pocket
If you’ve clicked with someone enough to warrant going on a date with them, then hopefully you’ll have stuff to talk about.
Nonetheless, no harm in thinking up a couple of topics to bring up if there’s a lull in the conversation. Global politics, domestic politics and The Kardashians are all subjects that are sure to spark lively debate.
Ask questions and LISTEN to the answers
There’s nothing worse than a one-way conversation, where someone natters on about themselves while the other person nods and makes the occasional noise in an attempt to look like they’re still listening. So don’t be that person.
People love to talk about themselves, so give your date the opportunity to do just that.
This should go without saying, but make sure to actually listen to what they’re saying. It’ll come back to haunt you if you find yourself asking questions that they’ve already answered.
Don’t go somewhere that you can’t afford, but also don’t go to McDonald’s
It might be old school but you might end up picking up the bill. If that’s the case, make sure you go to a place where you can afford everything on the menu.
If you spend the whole date adding up how much the dinner is going to eat into your weekly budget, you’re going to be poor company. Here’s a pro tip, don’t go somewhere that sells lobster.
That doesn’t mean you should be heading straight for the nearest fast food joint. There’s a happy medium.
Be complimentary
This is basic enough. Everyone likes to be told they look nice.
Scrub up
“What’s that smell?” Oh, it’s you…
A first date is a bit like a job interview in the sense that you should look presentable for it. Being sufficiently clean and fresh will increase your own self-confidence and make a positive impression on your date. A dash of aftershave and gum to freshen your breath will do you no harm.
Smelling bad is just about the biggest turn off you can be guilty of. It’s right up there with… actually no, nothing is worse.
Don’t get drunk
You might think that having a few libations to calm the nerves is no bad thing. And maybe you’re right. But avoid having that one too many.
Drunk you isn’t really you, so you don’t want to give your date a false perception of who you are.
Waking up the next morning, worrying about whether your agreement to go out again was genuine or drunk talk is something you’ll also want to avoid.
At least pretend that you’re an interesting person
Ever hang out with someone who has no interests, passions or drive? It’s no craic.
If you’ve stuck to some of the above tips, chances are you going to come across reasonably well. Just take an interest in what the other person is saying, have some interesting things to say yourself and you’ll have a pretty good chance of impressing your date.
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