INSIGHT: How to nail the first date

The first date gives us insight to what a relationship will be like. Of course being nervous on the first date is inevitable but all you need is simplicity and ease. Here are some tips that will make your first date go down smoothly. Do not show up late. Arriving on time shows how organised you are. It also suggests that you are aware of the fact that men are not very patient. If your date is a classic and insists on picking you up from home; be ready by the time he gets there and don’t make him wait on the couch. If you haven’t decided on where to go and he asks if there is a place you have in mind, do not just say anywhere! Think of a good place ahead of time in case he asks and speak out the second he asks. This tells him you have it together and are in control. While talking (most probably waiting for your order), try not to make the conversation feel like an interview. Do not ask too many questions. Do not brag about your life or show off in anyway. Be interesting without laying your CV out for him! Be a good listener, no matter how boring he might seem. Do not just ramble on and on about yourself only. Let him speak too if you want the conversation to be fun. Be polite and know when to draw the line. No matter how comfortable you might feel around someone, the first date is not one to unleash all silly habits. Refrain from sarcastic humour, criticism and rude behaviour. If you are used to laughing out loud and snorting when talking to your brothers please avoid it here. Be as graceful as you can. Avoid any kind of heavy drinking. Remember that heavy drinking can get you into problems (like date rape) and also, no sane man wants a woman who drinks like a fish! It is just one night so be strong and take a simple drink. Try a glass of wine if your thirst for alcohol is really so bad that it can’t survive one night! Don’t act like everything is supposed to happen that night. If you are meant for each other then it will happen. The less pressure on the both of you, the better your date will be.Avoid talking about your problems on the first date. No one wants to listen to problems on the first date. Try and order for food you will actually eat and finish. Some women go for dates, order for food then eat only two forks and say they are full. It’s annoying. If you are shy about eating, simply do not order, or even better do not agree to dinner and schedule some different outing that doesn’t involve eating! For women who have no problem eating, go ahead. But please do it in a civil way and not like there is no tomorrow! If you happen to go dancing, don’t dance like you were hired to. Save some moves for another day; especially if you like dancing like a stripper. Be a lady. A kiss on the cheek is harmless after the date. But remember to keep it innocent and light.