What to Do on Your First Date

Be present

Actively listen and engage with your date, that's how you get to know each other and fully evaluate whether a connection is forming or not. Put the phone away and entertain it only when it's necessary, perhaps an emergency call or an urgent text. Going through e-mails on your phone during your date is a sure-fire way to let your date know that you have very little regard for them.

If you spot something interesting or funny in the environment where you're having your date, share it with them so you can have a good discussion or a laugh about it. These are the type of great bonding moments you will share at your 10th wedding anniversary if your relationship works out.

Listening is a very sexy skill, so pass the mike every now and then

There's nothing wrong with talking about yourself, that's the only way your new prospect will get to know you. Remember though that this is not a one-person show, it takes two to tango, so give the other person a chance to speak as well and share a bit about themselves so you can have a balanced conversation. Constantly talking about yourself without giving the other person a chance to speak gives the impression that you are not really interested in them, and that you're really just looking for an audience in front of which to perform how great you are.

Even if you somehow manage to convey that you're really interested or attracted to the person without letting them get a word in, your date might feel like a relationship with you means perpetually being a one-person audience to a one-person show on repeat. That's enough to get someone to dash for the door and never look back, no matter how strong the chemistry.

Be polite and kind, no matter how bad the date might be going

So the person chews with their mouth open and their jokes aren't funny. Worse still, they are making plans to be in your life forever while you can't wait to get away from them and hopefully never see them again. There's no reason to be rude and humiliate them.

Rather find something you find easier conversing with them about and divert the conversation to that topic as often as possible until the date is over, at which point you can thank them for the date and politely indicate that you do not wish to take things further. You obviously have a right to sternly stand your ground if they get impossibly persistent, and you definitely have a right to cause a scene and attract attention for help if the situation gets to the point where you feel your personal security is threatened. There's no reason, however, to make the person feel bad about the things you didn't like about them, the rejection alone is painful enough. Let them down gently, politely say your goodbyes and walk away.

Ready when you are

Love is waiting for you, all you have to do is take that step. When you're ready for introductions worth being present for, our Romantic Partner Solutions Package is where to begin.