5 Tips for a Great First Date

Does the idea of going on a first date make you nervous? Does the memory of your last first date make you cringe with embarrassment? Have you had enough of the online dating disasters?  If so, you are not alone! Few singles find dating simple, especially in the age of Plenty of Fish, Tinder and Match.com. It can be hard to really get to know someone online and even verify that they are being truthful, which can lead to a disastrous first date. But with the right first date strategy, you can avoid some of the more common mistakes and anxieties. At Camelot Introductions, we know how important the first date is. We have put together a list of 5 tips for a great first date so that it will be something you look forward to instead of dreading. If you are looking for some great first-date tips, read on!

Why Does Camelot Introductions Prioritize In Person?

At Camelot Introductions, we prioritize in-person meetings. We know that communication is far more effective in person. Once you have been paired with a potential match, we recommend that our clients do not use texting or emailing to communicate with each other. Conversation over text or email may give you a sense of who someone is, but if you really want to get to know each other, you need to meet face to face. We have paired thousands of people with their perfect match over the years, and we know that if you want to get the most out of your matchmaking experience, don't waste time on virtual relationships! Now let's get to the first date tips!

5 First Date Tips For Success

First dates can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression, get to know your match and have fun! Our first date tips will help you do just that while also helping to reduce the anxieties around dating! 

Don't Stress Yourself

It's normal to have some anxiety on a first date. But it is important not to stress so much that you get flustered and make your date uncomfortable. When you feel relaxed and at ease, your date will be more comfortable around you! First dates are not for deciding if you want to marry that person; they are for deciding if you want to go on a second date. So have fun and enjoy spending time with and getting to know your date. If you aren't feeling it, perhaps nerves have gotten in the way. Try a second meeting keeping in mind not all potential matches will be the one for you. If you click, then great! You could be one step closer to finding your soulmate.

Create a Strong First Impression

You know what they say, first impressions count, and you only get one. Most people will form an opinion about you based on your appearance and behaviour within seconds of meeting you. There are many ways to make an excellent first impression on a date. One of the most important is to be on time! No one likes waiting, and being on time for your first date will show them you care about their time. Looking your best can also help you make an excellent first impression. Do not wear a baseball hat or sunglasses. Be aware of your body language. Being open and welcoming puts people at ease. Ensure you have impeccable personal hygiene and wear something that makes you feel confident but comfortable. Putting in the effort to look nice will show your date you want to be there. The best way to make a good first impression is to be yourself, positive and be confident! 

Prepare A Few First Date Topics

Going on a first date is a lot like a job interview. You do not want to show up unprepared. To avoid sitting in an awkward silence, come up with some conversation-starting first date questions and interesting answers to questions they might ask you. It is important not to treat your first date like an actual interview; this can be off-putting for many people. So what exactly do you talk about on the first date? Some great topics to discuss on a first date are your hobbies and interests, movies and tv shows you have seen recently, work, friends, and of course, your date! These topics will help get conversations started without adding too much pressure. Another part of being prepared for a first date is knowing what not to talk about. You will want to avoid topics like politics, religion, health issues or your exes and previous relationships. While these are important topics to talk to a potential partner about, they can lead to people feeling uncomfortable. Keep it light, and have fun! Remember, the first date is for deciding if you want a second date!

Don't Overcomplicate Things

First dates can be filled with uncertainty. Meeting someone you know little about will come with anxiety. This is why it is important not to overcomplicate things! You don't have to try and arrange the perfect romantic dinner or plan the whole day out. In fact, we don't recommend going for dinner, drinks or coffee for your first meeting. Instead, pick a fun activity! You could go  check out a museum or an art gallery, a trade show, painting pottery or even go rock climbing or kayaking! This will allow you to relax and get to know each other better. Overplanning or overcomplicating a first date can take away from what it's supposed to be about, learning about your match! Arrange a date where you can have fun and comfortably get to know someone. When you arrive at your destination for your date put your phone on silent mode and do not check your phone unless it is essential. If you must check your phone, do so in the washroom. 

Be Yourself

We have all heard how important it is to be ourselves, but sometimes that is easier said than done. When you are trying to impress someone, it can be easy to exaggerate and make it seem like you have more in common with someone than you really do. It may seem like a good idea, but you will not be able to build a real connection with someone if your first exchange is filled with mistruths. The key is looking for things you have in common and connecting over them while being yourself. Remember, you and your match are not going to feel the same way about everything, and that is ok! People love authenticity, and being your authentic self on a first date and in a relationship gives you a better chance of building a genuine connection with your match!

Camelot Introductions Can Help You in Your Search for Love

We know how intimidating first dates can be. Hopefully, these first-date tips can help you relieve some anxiety! Our goal at Camelot Introductions is to pair you with someone who has common interests, so your first meeting will be less stressful. Matchmaker Lianne Tregobov has successfully paired thousands of couples over the years, and she likely can help you in your search for love! Contact us today if you are ready to get out of the online dating scene and start making meaningful connections!