Lesson 5: Putting It All Together and Getting Your First Date

Dating for the First Time

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a Dating for Dummies book on the market? There probably is since these entertaining and delightfully helpful books are out there for almost anything we might want to learn. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys reading an entire book just to learn the basic things in life. As intimidating as it may seem, dating is a very basic for most people. If you’re a newbie to the world of dating, you may be in need of some helpful tips to make dating the fun process it’s meant to be.

There is nothing quite as special as going on your very first date. If it’s someone you’ve fantasized about dating for a long time, the experience can be even better. We always remember our first date; whether it’s someone we’ve known for ages or the result of online dating. Let’s make it one of your more pleasant memories.

Regardless of how nervous and self-conscious you may feel or how much of a good idea it may seem like at the time, do not bring a friend or third party with you on a date, especially the first date. Your date will think either you need your friends’ approval to be with them on a date or will realize this is your first date. Your first date should be spent getting to know each other, and you can’t really do this with a third party tagging along.

If you’re old enough to go to bars and nightclubs, which is where many dates begin or end, be sure you do not get drunk. Many times people will have the intention of having one or two drinks to calm their nerves and end up drinking too much and making a fool of themselves. A relationship that may have developed into something very special can easily be ruined on the first date by too much alcohol. Let your new date get to know the real you, not an alcohol impaired individual.

If possible, try to find out where you’ll be going so you can dress appropriately. It can be very embarrassing to be in a dress if you’re on a go carting date or some other sporting event. At the same time, a pair of blue jeans may be appropriate for casual dress but not a fancy restaurant. This is also something that can easily ruin the first date.

One last tip is do not monopolize the floor talking on the entire date. Your date may tell you they want to know all about you, but they don’t want to know ALL about you, at least not on the first date. Getting to know each other should be a gradual process, not something you can expect to take place in one date. The less you divulge on the first date, the more they’ll want to see of you to learn more. Lastly, relax and have fun. There was a reason you wanted to go on a date with this individual, so make the most of this date.

First Date Tips for Men

Getting ready for a first date can be very stressful, whether you’re the man or the woman. Woman often think of men as confident and always sure of what they’re doing. In reality, most men will claim they’re every bit as nervous before a first date as women. If you’re a man getting ready for your first date with that someone special, here are some tips to ease your anxiety and put the fun back into dating.

Provide her with a traditional date. In spite of how modern and independent women may think they are, when it comes to dating, at least the first date, they’re traditional. In most women’s minds, a traditional date involves the man making the reservations to wherever they’re going, picking the woman up and paying the bill. Do not expect her to meet you on the first date or to help pay for the meal. Doing the first date properly will get things off on the right foot.

Don’t expect her to accept a date for today or tomorrow. Allow enough time to make plans and reservations. By asking her for a date in the future, you’re letting her know that you believe she leads an active life and doesn’t spend her time sitting at home waiting for you to call. Show her that you cared enough about this first date to have, it all planned. Do not show up at her door with no idea of what you’re going to do. Don’t forget that anticipation tends to make things better!

Don’t be cheap on your first date. You don’t have to take her to the most expensive restaurant in town, but be selective with where you choose to take her. Show her that you’ve taken time to consider the best ways to show her how special she is to you. Even if you’re on a budget, there are many ways to delight her on the first date. Learn what she likes and do everything to accommodate her. Don’t be afraid to call her ahead of time to confirm your plans. She’ll take this as a sign that you are anticipating the first date as much as she is.

Be on time for your date. This is good etiquette for all dates but particularly so with the first date. Try not to be too early either as this may just stress her out if she happens to be running late. If for some unavoidable reason you find you will be late, call her and give her an update on when she can expect you to arrive.

We all love to have someone show us and let us know we’re appreciated and desirable. If she looks great, don’t hesitate to let her know. At the end of the date, if you feel things did not work out and have no change, do not string her along with a promise to call her. Tell her you had a great time and thank her with a kiss on the cheek. If, on the other hand, you both had a great time, let her know and ask her out again!

How to Make A Woman Find You Attractive

When you look in the mirror, do you see a fairly attractive man staring back at you and wonder why you’ve yet to have a date? Is your dating technique from another world? Are you just too shy to ask a woman on a date? Do you, in spite of your good looks, have what it takes to make yourself appealing and attractive to a woman?

Believe it or not, many men face this problem because they have no idea what a woman looks for in a man or finds attractive. Although every woman is different in her preferences there are some attributes in men that attract most, if not all, women other than good looks. Here are some tips worth considering before asking that special someone out for your first date.

Women love a man that has confidence. If you’ve ever heard the saying fake it until you make it, it may become a necessity. Women enjoy having men compliment them and make them feel special. They’re not going to get this on the date if the man is so self conscious and insecure that he needs someone telling him how great he is.

Keep in mind; however, that there is a huge difference between having confidence and being arrogant or conceited. A man can show his confidence in many ways such as sharing ideas and opinions without being argumentative. When a man has confidence, he doesn’t always have to be right.

Women also find a man that’s affectionate and kind to be very appealing. This doesn’t mean you should be pawing her in public or be a push over, but be kind, affectionate and thoughtful. If you both have different ideas of what you want to do, don’t be afraid to compromise and make her happy first. You can do what you wanted to do on your own time or on your next date. She’ll appreciate the effort you made to make her happy.

Women like a man that will offer her security and take care of her. This doesn’t mean that every woman wants to be taken care of, but she wants to know that he’s willing and able to if need be.

If they have marriage and children on their minds, as most women do, they need to know the man can offer security. They won’t see this if you have a history of not holding one job very long.

These are just a few of the many traits that women look for in men. Next time you’re looking in the mirror, ask yourself how many of these traits you already posses and how many you can easily develop with a little effort in time for your first date.

Breaking the Ice on the First Date

Going on that first date can sometimes be the most difficult thing if you’re shy and insecure. This is especially true if the date is with that dreamy individual you’ve been fantasizing about for a long time. As nervous and anxiety filled as the first date can me, sometimes breaking the ice can be even worse. You’ve looked forward to this date for so long, you’re dressed to perfection and suddenly you’re tongue-tied.

This scenario has happened to many people and has also destroyed any chance of the date turning into anything further. After all, how can you think of having a relationship with someone you can’t communicate with? What a way to end what could have been a perfect night! Whether this has happened to you or you fear it may, here are some ideas to overcome this all too common problem.

Even if you’re normally the friendliest person in the world and someone your friends just can’t seem to shut up, you may experience a sudden shyness and inability to speak when you’re on a first date with someone special. Getting your date to open up about something that interests them is always a good choice. Be specific about your questions and avoid questions requiring only a yes or no answer. Don’t pry, but stick to simple questions.

Some people may love talking about their family but not wish to discuss their work. If you ask enough simple questions, you’ll eventually hit on the subject that interests them and keeps them talking. Once they begin talking, you’ll feel more open as well. If you’re poor at everyday conversation but good at telling jokes, try telling a joke as long as it’s not one that could be offensive.

If you’re still having difficulty thinking of something to break the ice, a simple compliment always works well. Tell them you like their shirt or ask about their car. Men typically enjoy talking about their cars while females tend to enjoy discussing their work or family.

Try to avoid topics that may be controversial such as religion or politics. Although men tend to enjoy sports, keep in mind that you may be a fan of a competing team. This may not be the best way to get a friendly conversation going. If you know each other from school or work, a good topic might be something you both in common.

Many first dates take place in movies or restaurants (the traditional dinner and movie date). You might want to ask what their favorite food is or what type of movies they enjoy. Usually this type of conversation is easy to keep going and will lead to more conversation. By the time the night is over, you’ll wonder what all the worry was about!

Making Sure the First Date is Not the Only Date

If you’re about to go on your first date, you’re experiencing the excitement and nervousness that millions of others like you have experienced. You’ve finally managed to snag a date with that special girl you’ve been dreaming about, and you want to make is special. You want to make sure that the first date with her is not the only date with her.

While the old cliché says a date with flowers, candlelight, candy and romantic music is a sure thing, this is not always the case. Here are some very simple tips to follow to ensure your first date is not only memorable but the start of more to come.

Be creative. Regardless of whom you’re taking out on a date, be creative and use the element of surprise. This will delight her every time. Sure, candlelight, flowers, candy and romantic music can’t hurt, but not every girl is into those kinds of things, especially on the first date. If she looks on you as a good friend, these gestures might be considered as too serious for the first date. Make it a point to find out what she enjoys doing before you actually go on the date.

Keep her surprised. Although women by nature are organized and methodical, most women also love surprises. Once you’ve managed to learn what she enjoys, keep your plans a secret until the big day. You can let her know if it’s formal or casual to avoid embarrassment and discomfort, but don’t let on anymore than that. She’ll appreciate the time and care you took in planning this perfect date.

Keep your shared interests in mind. There was something that attracted you to her in the first place, and it was probably shared interests. Try to plan something that you know you’ll both enjoy. The date will be much more interesting and fun if it’s something you both enjoy. Introducing each other to new interests should take place after you’ve been on a few dates (hopefully it will get this far).

Dont expect her to pay the bill. Today woman are more independent and many prefer to pay their own way. However, you asked her out and paying the bill is your responsibility. If she insists on paying her share, there’s little you can do about it. However, make every effort to let her know that paying for the date is your pleasure. At the end of the date, don’t hesitate to let her know what a great time you had.

First Time Online Dating Tips for Beginners

Online is very popular today and is actually easier than you think. From everything you’ve heard, it involves not much more than signing up for an online dating site, telling the world what you’re looking for and going about your business until all those potential dates start coming your way. While this sounds easy enough, there are actually a few more steps needed if you expect success of any kind in online dating sites.

Don’t set your sights on one specific online dating site. Do not go to an online dating site with the belief that if you’re seen one, you’ve seen them all. Online dating sites are not all the same. Review different sites and look for those that are rated as the safest. Look for online dating sites directed towards your interests, sexual preference, age group, etc. This will make it much easier to find those that share the same interests as you.

Determine the type of person you want to meet. Decide this before you even begin the online dating process. Online dating sites typically use a search engine tool to help select people that are a close match to what you want. This is determined by the information you’ve entered when you join the site. If it’s not narrowed down, you’ll have far too many results to possibly filter through.

For instance, if you’re an 18-year-old man looking for a woman, if you set your preferences to all women aged 18 to 24, you’ll have a lot less to go through than if you set it any age group. Chances are you’re not interested in dating a woman 55 years old so know what you want and put it in the search engine.

Setting up your profile can be a lot of fun. Put a flattering picture of yourself so others can see what you look like. Add some personal information about yourself as well. If you have any particular interests (sports, computers, photography), put this on your profile. It will make it easier for those that share your interests to find you. You’ll need a screen name. This name can be anything that represents you as long as it is not your real name. Make sure you start up a separate email account for your online dating sites.

Once you’ve determined that you’ve met someone you really like, you’re probably going to want to meet him or her in person. This is usually the next step. I hope that by this time, you’ve known the individual for a while and are confident they’re trustworthy and whom they say they are. Always make sure your first meeting takes place in a public, preferably during daylight hours. After you’ve known each other longer, you can make other arrangements, but always be safe first.