Whether you have been chatting to a man or woman online for some time and have now decided to hide your online dating profile to pursue this new connection or else are simply building your confidence to help get back in the game, first dates can be more than a little intimidating.
By far the best location to meet a prospective partner for the first time is in a cafe or restaurant, where there are plenty of people around, a pre-created atmosphere and an expected routine of the evening to follow.
With this in mind, here are three helpful tips for preparing for a first date in a restaurant.
1. Think About Your Body Language
Non-verbal communication plays a much more significant role in how you are perceived by others and in actual fact, you communicate much louder with your facial expressions and body language than your words alone.
Now, obviously, you cannot be expected to watch what your arms, legs, posture, mouth and eyes are doing in close detail when you are trying to make a good impression, so the easiest way to improve your natural body language is to weed out negative aspects.
For example, lean in to show interest, unfold your arms to appear more welcoming and accepting of what is being said and tilt your head towards them when they are speaking, all of which will make you appear more open and in the moment.
2. Learn From Your Dating Past
The psychological impact of a traumatic break-up, or if you unfortunately had to endure a verbally or physically abusive relationship, will naturally make you more hesitant to let down your barriers and truly enjoy meeting and getting to know someone new.
When waiting for your date, instead of focusing on your worries and working yourself up into a stress ball, try and think about the future and not reflect back to the past. Luckily, these days you can always distract yourself by checking your phone, playing games or even checking out the official website wolfwinner.casino to register for a free gambling account.
Additionally, think about why past relationships came to an end, whether or not you were the one who decided to end them and how you could have behaved differently in situations to bring the pair of you closer together.
3. Choose the Right Restaurant
As well as choosing a restaurant that is a short distance from both your own and your date’s homes, you also need to consider the ambience, the expense and the size of the venue.
Relaxation and easy conversation are both much easier when you are in a calm and informal setting. Furthermore, make sure the menu allows you to both order your meals separately, as sharing food on a first date is perhaps too intimate. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in by channeling the smart-casual look; chinos and a blazer for men and high-waisted skirts or trousers over a tucked-in top for women.
