Dating can be a traumatic and frightening experience for a lot of guys. Contrary to popular belief, guys also worry about what to wear, what to say, and how to act, along with a multitude of other thoughts running through their minds. This often transforms a person into a nervous wreck, distracting from the real meaning of dating: getting to know each other and hopefully creating relationships.
The first date is your best opportunity to not only gain your date’s interest but, more importantly, keep you¬¬r date wanting more. This first experience will allow your date to determine whether you are a keeper or a creeper. It may be easy to forget or avoid the basics. However, the basics are what will get you that second date.
Finding that balance between exciting, charming and impressive isn’t as hard as you think. There are a few etiquette rules that for centuries have been deemed vital for a successful first date.
Ask out your date in person. Don’t jump directly to social media to do all the communicating.
Ask your date at least three days in advance to give her enough time to prepare and plan.
Be on time. Dress well and smell good. Let your date know what you are doing so she knows how to dress. When you pick her up, knock on her door. Walk with her to the car and open her car door. Once you’re together and the date has started, turn off your phone and leave it in your car during the date.
Make frequent eye contact throughout the date. Be engaging and ask her questions. Be a good listener. Don’t be too extravagant or flashy, sometimes less is more and there is always beauty in simplicity. Jakell Larsen, UVU freshman studying political science said, “It doesn’t matter what we do on the date. It doesn’t have to be super expensive or fancy. I just want him to make me feel like I’m the most important girl in the world.”
Pay the bill, but don’t be too obvious. If it gets cold, offer your jacket. If it’s raining do whatever you can to shield her from getting wet. When your date is over walk her to her door and give her a goodnight hug. If it was a huge success, kiss her on the cheek, but nothing more for the first date. Don’t worry, as long as you follow these etiquette rules you’ll keep her wanting more.
Proper etiquette is the key to a successful date, but above all, remember to be yourself. No matter how fun or exciting your date is, it won’t mean anything to your date if she can tell you’re trying to be someone you’re not.
