It’s that time of year again–the season of new beginnings, fresh starts, and first dates. For some people, this can be an exciting prospect; for others, not so much. Regardless of your feelings about the dating scene in general or any given date in particular, it’s important to know how to “get to know” someone on a first date. So here are five tips for getting along with someone you’ve just met!
1. Pick A Comfortable Location For The Date
It’s important to be in an environment where you feel comfortable physically and emotionally. For example, if the date feels like a job interview, it will likely be less than enjoyable for both parties involved. So instead, opt for somewhere casual and low-pressure, like a coffee shop or park bench. That being said, you don’t want to completely avoid stimulating environments altogether; after all, part of the fun of dating is getting out and experiencing new things together! Just make sure that whatever location you choose won’t put too much stress on either of you.
2. Be Kind And Gentle
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that this person has probably never met you before and doesn’t know what your quirks are. So be as cordial and open as possible; if the date starts off on the wrong foot, there might not be enough time for things to recover!
3. Be Polite
Don’t ask too many personal questions or talk about yourself (or anything negative) all night long. If you’re feeling shy or being particularly quiet, try asking them some basic questions–that way, they have an opportunity to share something with you without having to think of everything from scratch! Just because someone isn’t talking nonstop doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in getting to know you better but feel free to give them a little nudge if the conversation seems to be dying out.
As with any relationship, it’s important to be receptive and open yourself up in order for the other person to feel comfortable doing the same. Open-ended questions are usually best; they allow you to get a better sense of who the person is without giving too much away about yourself (especially if this isn’t your first date.) If you’re not sure what kinds of things would make good conversation starters, try asking them something that could potentially start an interesting debate or discussion–like their feelings on politics or religion!
5. Be Patient
Remember that this person is new to you, so they might not be as comfortable with divulging personal information right away. However, just because someone doesn’t want to share their life story on the first date doesn’t mean they’re not interested in getting to know you better; give them time and space to warm up to you. For example, when he texted after the first date but not since do not overthink it.
In conclusion, getting to know someone on a first date can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable with a little bit of effort and patience. Just remember to relax and have fun; after all, that’s what dating is supposed to be about!