Many of us have experienced that butterfly inducing first date. Planning what to wear and eager to create a great first impression, because who knows, this could be the first day of the rest of your life!
Yes, first dates can be the beginning of something wonderful and the excitement is real! However, take care not to get swept away in the imagination of some hypothetical future. Remember that a first date rarely tells you what you really need to know about the other person.
For example, we’ve all dated the person who has truly honed their game when it comes to first dates, but that’s because practice makes perfect- and that is not always a good thing. It’s likely they are the person to keep you waiting by the phone, ready to make plans only to find your enthusiasm unrequited and faced with a long evening of a box set marathon.
It is easy to get dazzled! Glinting chandeliers, shimmery cocktail dresses and sparkling champagne, but eventually, that fizz tends to go flat. The vibe, that energy, the butterflies…it’s crazy, stupid, love…right? No wrong!
Remember, the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Being bowled over by first impressions does not necessarily mean longevity. So unless your first date is a complete disaster ( and we mean DISASTER) then you need to be prepared to give it a second chance.
Second Date Etiquette
When birds begin a courtship in the wild, it is all about flashing those fancy feathers! In the human world, any preening of plumage takes place on the first date, so when it comes to the second date…things need to change gear.Â
The dinner date! It’s tried, tested and let’s face it…..just a little bit tedious. Equally, forget sporting and music events, noisy cocktail bars and anywhere which stops the conversation from flowing.
Add a little soul to your date by hosting at your favourite beauty spot! Or think outside the box and head for a street food market, a boat ride or a cooking class! Sharing an activity together can take away the nerves and the need to impress and really allow personalities to shine through.
Don’t overthink it, creating anything too spectacular piles unnecessary pressure on both of you.
Ban the banter! Time to have a conversation…
Try to remember one key thing that you learnt about the other person on your first date. It could be about where they used to live, their ambitions or about their job. Remembering a small detail about something they already told you is not only flattering but also opens up further conversation so you really start to get to know the person.
Be the best version of yourself!
If we kept all the rules which have been written about dating, there would be no space to have any fun…..and dating should always be about the fun.
Whilst you may be eager to win over your date, it is important to keep it real. Allow your personality to shine through or you run the risk of seeming fake. You can’t be everything to all people, but you can be everything to that special someone.
We wish you the very best of luck! And finally remember, it’s not about the first date, the first kiss or the first love….it is all about the last one!
