first dates

5 Keys to a First Date

There are a lot of rules and guidelines for successful first dates.

Instead of reading through all the nonsense, I will just tell you the 5 things that are most important to remember.

Never do dinner as a first date

It baffles me to this day why guys continue to believe dinner dates are great first dates.

Dinner dates set up two things: 

1. An obligation of her time. Knowing that she HAS to stay a specific amount of time, she’ll feel pressured to stay longer than she may want to and immediately puts her in a different mindset. 

2. An obligation of your money, where dinner dates cost an average of $140. If you’re lucky enough to have 2-3 first dates a week, that adds up VERY quickly.

The first date is really about getting to know each other and building on physical chemistry. 

It is not about how much money you have to throw around. This also begs the question of why would you invest so much in a woman you don’t even know.

First dates generally should be just two people having drinks in a fun environment. This allows the two of you to focus on each other and not worrying if you’re practicing good dining etiquette.

And yes, guys, the same rule applies here: pick up the tab on the drinks.

PRO TIP: If you had a good time, let her know you’ll pick up this round and she’ll get the next one.” Her reaction will be a great way to gauge her interest for a second date.

“It baffles me to this day why guys continue to believe dinner dates are great first dates.” Tweet this.

First date expectations are set by how you ask her out

The word “date” sounds very formal, and although there are some women who like to hear the word, it creates expectations that build unnecessary pressure for you.

Instead, say, “I’d love to take you out for a drink (notice the singular in “drink.”) [add date and other specifics],” or if you want to be even more casual, “let’s get together for a drink...”

In context of a good conversation with a woman that’s attracted to you, it works well and comes out perfectly natural.

Do not meet up with friends, whether hers or yours

Never agree to this kind of date, nor set your date as such. All this says is, “I don’t value you enough to give you time alone with me.”

If she really likes you, she’ll make time to be alone with you. It’s as simple as that.

Friday and Saturday night first dates are not recommended

Most people go out on Friday and Saturday nights so any place you’d like to take her will likely be crowded and noisy, making it hard to connect with her.

Also, these are what I consider “high-value” nights, where most will have plans to go out, hang with friends, and even hope to meet someone. These dates are very important to those people and will typically not want to sacrifice them for someone they don’t know, no matter how exciting they may be about the date.

Your best bet is to set up a date any other day. Personally, my favorite nights are Thursdays and Tuesdays. Expectations will be more realistic and you won’t need to be full of “party-style” energy in order to match the environment you would on a weekend night.

Take her to a place that is comfortable and on the quieter side

On first dates, the environment should hint at some intimacy. This will better allow you two to find out if there’s a “spark.”

Good places to take your date are venues that are on the smaller side, have some charm (artwork, a rustic ambiance, etc.), and doesn’t play terribly loud music.

Guys always ask me what’s the ideal seating arrangement for first dates. The answer is simple. You want to be sitting next to her, not across. This is one of a million reasons why dinner dates are so awful.

Ideally, it would be great to sit on a couch but if that’s not an option, sitting together at the bar is fine.

You want to focus on being interesting and interested on the date and you don’t want the environment to distract you from those two things.

Remember, if she’s going out on a date with you, she’s already attracted to you -- that’s one battle won. There’s no need to go out of your way to impress her. This date is ONLY about you two getting to know each other and deciding if a future is promising.

How About We Date In Front of A Webcam?

The beginning of a beautiful relationship?On Monday, I had the privilege to not only watch two people go on a first date, but also give social commentary, through an online chat room.

For those who weren't around to see, I had polarizing comments for James and Bianca.

I thought Bianca was very open and pretty much the perfect example of how a woman should show interest to a man.

On the other hand, James was awkward, couldn't hold eye contact, seemed very nervous and didn't initiate any contact until well after an hour -- where he got a high-five.

Appearances are very deciving so let's talk about some of the factors that played a role and then give some tips.

Tip Tuesday: The First Date

Don't mind if I do.Every Tuesday, we ask people from Team Wingman & Twitter what they would like me to talk about. It could be a general topic or a direct question. I’ll choose the best one and later that day, I’ll write something and give tips addressing that topic or question.

"Question: Got any advice for a first date?" 

This what I said in 140 characters on Twitter [follow me]:

It's pretty straightforward but I'll break each point down a little more.

Tip Tuesday: Great First Date -- Then Nothing

If only that phone was going to ring...Every Tuesday, we ask people from Team Wingman & Twitter what they would like me to talk about. It could be a general topic or a direct question. I’ll choose the best one and later that day, I’ll write something and give tips addressing that topic or question.

This week’s question: "How to react when u have a great date w/a guy-and he doesn't call to follow up-can u text? why/why not."

We’ve all been there. You go out on an amazing date with an amazing person. They do and say all the right things. Conversation is easy and everything just feels right. In some cases, you even get a kiss at the end of the night -- even more. Then, it happens.

Every Secret to Dating & Sex Answered By Women

Men will do or say anything to give them an excuse why something isn’t possible. Part of my job is to prove them wrong. Thank goodness there is data our there from surveys and online interactions to help my cause. This one comes from Maxim Magazine as they surveyed almost 8,000 women from across the country. Still skeptical? Think of it in numbers:

The 7 Deadly Sins of a First Date

 

By Mayson, dating coach for New Social Systems

Being on a first date can be a nerve wracking experience for anyone. Often times people will do anything they can to impress their potential partner. Over the past few years I've observed 7 of the deadliest sins that one can make when it comes to a first date. If you can avoid these 7 sins, then you're on the right track to getting a second date.