Top 5 tips for your first date

I recently saw the trailer for a rom-com about Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date, “Southside with You.” Now whether or not you’re the President of the United States or the First Lady, that first date is always exciting, but let’s face it, a first date no matter how old you are or how many dates you’ve been on, is also loaded with expectancy and a degree of nervousness. Will she/he like me and will I like them? Is this person going to be the “One” or will I want to run for the hills before the starter has arrived? Will I do or say the right thing or will I totally embarrass myself? Will there be any chemistry between us? Will we have anything to talk about and if not, how will we get through the evening? It’s a potential minefield in our brains before we’ve even closed the front door! If you want to see how President Obama and the First Lady’s date went you may want to go and see the movie “Southside with You” when it appears in UK cinemas this summer. In the meantime, read our 5 Top Tips for your first date in today’s blog:

I think it’s sometimes all too possible for everyone to think and to worry a little bit too much about a first date. The key is to relax, enjoy yourself and not to analyse everything too much. ‘Easier said than done’, some of you are thinking or saying, but there are some top dating tips the Project143 health and lifestyle coach, Cheidu Hing, recommends people to bear in mind from the outset:-

1. Know why you’re dating

Take a moment to do your mental preparation before you meet your date. Why are you dating? What’s your end-goal? Are you ready for a committed relationship or dating for fun?

Knowing the answer to these questions allows you to engage in a manner consistent with your desires. When your intentions are clear, your meeting will be more purposeful.

2. Be on Time

Yeah, we know the whole “fashionably late” thing still exists for some people, but on a first date, you’ll make a better impression if you show up on time. Would you want him/her to show up late? Probably not, right. What’s that? It takes you two hours to do your hair? Sounds like you’re perfectly aware of that fact, which means you’ll know exactly how much time you need to prepare ahead of time, even if it’s five hours (hey, we don’t judge.)

2. Show up as YOU! YOU are great!

Posing as some “better” version of whom you’d like to present is misleading to your date and sets entirely the wrong tone for future interactions. It’s a game that can’t be maintained and guarantees dissatisfaction for both parties. The goal of dating is to find someone who wants what you want, and wants that with you. That’s only possible by starting with the ‘real you.’

3.  Find an activity that doesn’t last more than a couple of hours

Brevity is not only the soul of wit, but it is also the essence of a good date. The key is to leave the other person wanting to know more about you. If you both had a good time, you’ll both anticipate date two, right?!

4. Have fun

Make up your mind, in advance, to have fun. Dating is a numbers game. Every time you meet someone new, you’re gaining vital information as to what you want (and don’t want) in a partner. No matter the outcome, this attitude allows you to walk away with a gain you can keep.

5.  DON’T wear things that you can’t walk, eat, breathe, or talk in.

Girls obviously, you want to look your best, but a first date isn’t the time to take those new 5-inch heels out for a road test, or wear that dress that’s a little too tight. Why? Because first dates are anxiety-filled enough and being uncomfortable in your clothes only makes it worse. Plus, won’t it suck to not be able to walk a few blocks on a nice night because your heels are too high? Instead, wear things you know look good on you but won’t hinder you from being cool, calm, and collected.

Stylish, clean, neat and tidy should be your buzzwords, whether you are a guy or a girl.