Meeting someone online is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. You may have spent weeks or several months getting to know them digitally and feeling a connection, so it’s natural to get a little nervous before meeting in person.
The good news is that your first date won’t be filled with awkward moments of silence or feelings of panic if you prepare well. You can have an enjoyable outing with proper planning and preparation. These 9 tips will guide you in making the most of your first date after meeting online.
1) Do Some Research
Before you meet someone you’ve only talked to online, doing some research is always a good idea. You should check their social media profiles to see if you have mutual friends.
To take it further, you can use PhoneHistory to learn more about your partner. By searching their phone number, you can discover their real name, address, and even personal details like education, occupation, and marital status (this is the first thing you should pay attention to).
Of course, you don’t have to know every little detail about your date before you meet them, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry.
2) Meet in a Public Place
One way to ease your worries before meeting an online friend for the first time is to choose a public place to meet. This way, you’ll have a safety net of other people around you. Plus, it will make the atmosphere less intimidating and more comfortable.
Choose a coffee shop or a bar with many people, or a popular restaurant. This will allow you both to know each other in a safe environment while still being able to gauge each other’s personalities.
3) Dress to Impress
The goal is to put on something that you feel confident and comfortable in while showing that you put effort into your appearance.
Here are some quick tips:
- Wear something that fits well and flatters your body type.
- Avoid anything too revealing (you want to look stylish, not desperate).
- Dress for the occasion; if it’s a fancy restaurant, dress up more than you would for a casual coffee outing.
- Accessorize thoughtfully; a statement necklace or a nice watch can add personality to your outfit without distraction.
If you’re not comfortable in a dress and heels, don’t force yourself to wear them just because you think it’s what your friend will like. Confidence is key, so wear what you are comfortable with.
4) Don’t Drink Too Much
As tempting as it is to down a few glasses of liquid courage before your first date, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake. A drink or two can help calm nerves, but too much alcohol can lead to negligent behavior and bad decision-making.
You don’t want to give a wrong impression. Plus, you want to be fully present and aware of what’s happening around you. So, enjoy a drink if you like, but remember to keep it in check.
5) Avoid Awkward Silence
It’s not uncommon to have some awkward moments of silence throughout the first date, but you can utilize the following tips to keep the conversation flowing smoothly:
- Ask open-ended questions that need more than a yes or no answer.
- Have some conversation starters ready, like “What’s the best book you’ve read lately?”
- Use humor to break the tension and keep things light.
- Share something interesting about yourself to encourage your date to do the same.
- Remember that pauses in conversation are normal and not something to stress over.
Most importantly, don’t pressurize yourself too much in a bid to keep the conversation going at all times. Sometimes, the best moments on a romantic hangout are those quiet, comfortable minutes when you can be in each other’s company. Just relax and enjoy the evening!
6) Be Yourself
After all, you’re both there to know each other better. It’s easy to be tempted to want to impress your partner by putting on a show or pretending to be someone you’re not, but this is a recipe for disaster.
Instead, embrace your unique quirks and interests. Talk about your passions, share your sense of humor, and don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability. This will help your date get to know the real you and make you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.
7) Don’t Talk about Your Past Relationships
It’s important to remember that your first outing after meeting someone online is a fresh start. While it’s natural to have past relationships, it’s not something you should dwell on with your new potential partner.
Bringing up your ex or discussing your previous dating history can make the other person uncomfortable or feel like you’re not over your past. Instead, focus on getting to know your date and building a new connection. Keep things light, and if the topic does come up, be brief and focus on what you learned from your past experiences.
8) Listen More Than You Talk
Talking too much is one of people’s biggest mistakes on a first date. While sharing about yourself is important, listening to your date is a sign of respect.
Plus, listening more than you talk will help you understand who your potential partner is and what they’re looking for. And if you don’t have much in common or aren’t feeling a connection, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.
9) Be Confident
Confidence is one of the most alluring qualities one can possess. Being confident doesn’t mean being arrogant or overbearing. It’s about being comfortable in your skin. Plus, it will make your friend feel at ease around you. These few tips will help you boost your confidence:
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Practice self-care:
Whether it’s hitting the gym or getting a fresh haircut, taking care of yourself will boost your confidence.
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Prepare conversation starters:
Plan some topics or questions in advance to avoid awkward silence.
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Smile and make eye contact:
This shows that you’re friendly and interested in your date.
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Remember your strengths:
Remind yourself of all the amazing qualities that make you unique.
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Don’t worry about perfection:
Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay! Embrace your flaws and show them the real you.
Final Thoughts
Going on a first date after meeting online is always stressful. Remember to do your research beforehand, meet in a public place, dress to impress, and avoid drinking too much. Don’t rush things or bring up past relationships. Instead, focus on connecting with your partner and being yourself while listening and asking questions.
Ultimately, the key to a successful outing is to be confident, have fun, and let the chemistry between both of you unfold naturally.
