First dates: magical moments when you realize you have a connection with someone, or the stuff nightmares are made of.
The fine art of first dates can be the beginning of a beautiful relationship or wreak havoc on the egos of even the most confident among us.
We all have first-date horror stories. The guy who spent an hour longingly reminiscing about his years as an eagle scout or the one who takes three calls from his ex-girlfriend before appetizers even arrive. I even had a female client tell me that a blind date walked in and, without saying a word, walked right back out. Ouch!
While we can laugh at these stories, have you ever wondered if you are “the bad date?” The offender who gets laughed at over happy hour with friends? No, you say, of course not. But, I regularly talk with singles that are able to get the first date, but never get a second one ... and have no idea why.
There are many reasons why two people connect. Try to follow these tried-and-tested rules to make sure your next first date gets the proper opportunity for a second one.
First-Date Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
Get in the right mindset.
Somewhere along the way, dates have turned into an interview for marriage. Gee, that isn’t intimidating or anything! This is a date. It’s two people getting to know each other in a safe, social setting. You are not looking for a spouse or even a significant other. You’re just looking for a second date. Your new mindset? Have fun, keep it light, and stay in the moment. At the end of the date, ask yourself if you want a second date?
Listen.
I love the story about a so-called “successful” date one client had. The connection was there and the conversation flowed all night. “I can’t believe he didn’t call!” she said after a week had passed since her “amazing date.” But, when I asked her to tell me more about the other person, her face went blank.
