After two years of Covid you may feel that’s your main topic of conversation and if you haven’t been out and about as much as before (surprise!) you may be feeling a little wary about meeting someone new with a view to starting a relationship.
Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- You are probably both nervous, so try to relax. It’s fine to mention this in a light-hearted way.
- Preparation helps, but keep it real. A first meeting that turns into a forensic interview will not show you in your best light and certainly won’t help your date relax and give of his/her best. Take a quick look at their profile – finding three things you would like to know more about will help you get started. Be prepared to respond in kind regarding yourself.
- Dress appropriately and elegantly for the event, you’ll feel more comfortable and that will help you relax.
- Invite your date to somewhere it’s possible to have a proper conversation, so not the cinema or theatre on this occasion. If this first date goes well there will be others!
- Try not to monopolise the conversation, give your date the chance to make an impression. If this doesn’t occur naturally, it easy to hand over to them by saying “That’s enough about me – what about you?” Then ask a direct question and it’s over to them.
- Make eye contact and smile, it shows interest and respect. If you are really drawn to your date, making eye contact for longer will tell them how you are feeling.
- Be open to what your date has to say, without judging. These are early days and while it might be difficult not to react if you feel strongly, it’s important to remember that people are more prone to making mistakes when they are nervous. As you get to know someone better, what they said initially might no longer matter.
- Maintain a positive frame of mind, expect to enjoy yourself, rather than not and you’re more likely to feel the evening hasn’t been a waste of your time.
- Be polite. It’s very attractive.
