First dates aren’t always a walk in the park. Unless you literally plan a walk in the park, but we digress. By this, we acknowledge that first dates can be awkward, uncomfortable, and in some cases bring your confidence down. If you have bad experiences with dating, or you are fresh onto the singles scene as of recently, you may be lacking the confidence to go on dates. The truth is that confidence is something you can easily obtain. Relying on your date to make you feel confident about yourself should not be the expectation. Instead, you should strut into your date knowing YouTube worth, and openly confident about yourself and how much of a catch you are.
Boosting confidence is easier said than done. If you truly do not feel comfortable in yourself, then perhaps you need to work on yourself before you give your time and energy away to a partner. That being said, if you feel ready to date however you are looking for that extra boost, we have some tips that are guaranteed to work. Take a look at the following suggestions:
Make the location familiar
First things first, one of the easiest things to throw off your objectives of feeling confident is having a date in an uncomfortable setting. For example, the best types of first dates are in an intimate setting that allows you both to engage with each other. Dates in loud, noisy and new bars are most likely to throw off your objectives of being yourself and can leave you feeling on edge. For a relaxed first date, suggest a location that you are familiar with. For example, a favourite pub near your location, or even a park that you know will be busy, whilst also offering an enclosed space for meaningful conversion. While the date ideas may not always be on your terms if you have the opportunity to make the suggestion, make it somewhere that you know and feel settled in.
Don’t rush to get ready
Next up, you need to slow down your getting ready process. If you want to be confident, cool and relaxed during your first date, allow enough time to look and feel your best. So, calculate the average time it takes you to get ready, and add an extra 30 minutes. Taking your time to do your hair, and make-up and choose your outfit will ensure there is no room for last-minute doubt. If you spend your date worrying about your appearance, you will not be present enough to enjoy yourself. Besides, you should be spending the time looking good for your satisfaction.
Read: 5 Amazing Gifts for Valentine Day
Wear what makes you feel good
Speaking of getting ready, your choice of outfit can also enhance the confidence that you feel. Your outfit approval should not be for the approval of your date, but for what makes you feel most confident or sexy. Whether that be short dresses, long, or simple jeans and t-fit, wear what you think makes you look your best. If looking sexy is not quite what you are after, wearing something comfortable is also your best bet if you want to relax while on your first date. Confidence starts with feeling comfortable, and your outfit can determine this.
Avoid excessive alcohol
The temptation to drink alcohol to loosen the tension is tempting during a nerve-wracking first date, but remember not to take it too far. If anything, try to avoid alcohol altogether if you want to be your authentic self on the first date. Drinking too much may leave you feeling more confident, but once it exceeds a manageable extent you might not be in control of yourself. It is also not particularly safe, so don’t do it! Being yourself and sober is much more attractive and will leave you more control over what you do or say.
Use your listening skills and show interest
During a first date, you are guaranteed to appear more confident if you are a good listener and conversationalist. No date is perfect, and you might decide that your date is right for you, but by taking the time to get to know this person and their love language, you inherently appear to be a much more desirable and enjoyable person, even if things do not work out romantically.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not
Lastly and most importantly, make sure you stay true to yourself. Pretending to be someone you’re not can leave room for anxiety, and also you will carry the weight of maintaining this persona. The right partner for you will love and appropriate you for who you are, so why try to be someone else? Confidence starts with you, so as long as you love yourself and appreciate how special you are, you will certainly find someone who also recognises this. Put on your favourite blue dress, and put yourself out there. Happy dating!