The first date is the prologue of a love story, carrying expectations and tension, and also hiding the key code to create a good impression. Whether it is a formal meeting that is carefully planned, or a relaxed gathering that is facilitated by chance, mastering practical skills can make the date a bridge to get closer to each other. The following 26 suggestions, from the preliminary preparation to the dating process, and then to the subsequent conclusion, will help create an unforgettable first date in all aspects.

1. Preliminary preparation: Attention is shown in the details

1. Clear dating tone

Communicate with the other party in advance to understand each other’s expectations of the dating format. If the other party prefers a relaxed atmosphere, you can choose a cafe, park and other leisure places; if you want to show formality and importance, Western restaurants, art exhibitions, etc. are good choices. A clear tone can reduce the anxiety of both parties and make the date more natural and smooth.

2. Make good time planning

Reasonably arrange the dating time, it is recommended to be 2-3 hours. If the time is too short, it may not be possible to communicate in depth, and if it is too long, it is easy to make people tired. At the same time, reserve enough time to deal with emergencies to avoid affecting the experience due to haste.

3. Research the date location

Be familiar with the date location in advance, and learn about business hours, special dishes (if you choose a restaurant), surrounding transportation and other information. If you go to an unfamiliar place, you can check the place in advance to ensure that the date goes smoothly on the day. For example, when choosing a restaurant, check the menu in advance to confirm whether there are dishes that suit the tastes of both parties.

4. Pay attention to personal image

Maintaining a clean and tidy appearance is the basis. Choose appropriate clothes according to the date occasion. Daily dates can be simple and comfortable, while formal occasions need to be more refined. At the same time, pay attention to personal hygiene. Fresh breath, neat nails and other details can enhance goodwill.

5. Prepare a small gift

A small and exquisite gift can add a surprise to the date. The gift does not need to be expensive. A bouquet of flowers, a book that the other party is interested in, or a special small ornament can show your care and thoughtfulness.

6. Conceive a topic for conversation

Prepare some light and interesting topics in advance, such as recent good movies, travel experiences, hobbies, etc. Avoid sensitive topics, such as past emotional entanglements, salary income, etc., to prevent putting pressure on the other party.

7. Adjust your mindset

Keep a calm and confident mindset, don’t be overly nervous or anxious. Treat the date as an opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy the process instead of caring too much about the result, and a relaxed mindset will make you more attractive.

2. The date is in progress: create a good atmosphere

8. Be on time

Being on time is basic courtesy, try to arrive at the date 10-15 minutes in advance. If you may be late due to special circumstances, be sure to inform the other party in advance and apologize sincerely.

9. Warm and generous welcome

Take the initiative to say hello when you meet, and convey friendliness with a smile and eyes. Appropriate body language, such as a gentle nod and a natural wave, can bring you closer.

10. Learn to listen

Listen carefully to what the other person says, give full attention, and don’t interrupt at will. Express your interest through nodding, eye contact and brief responses to make the other person feel respected.

11. Keep eye contact

Natural eye contact can show your sincerity and confidence, but avoid staring at the other person for a long time. You can use the “triangle rule” to switch naturally between the other person’s eyes and forehead.

12. Show a sense of humor

Appropriate humor can relieve tension and make the date more relaxed and enjoyable. When telling jokes or sharing interesting experiences, be careful to keep a sense of proportion and avoid vulgar or offensive content.

13. Respect the other party’s opinions

Whether choosing a restaurant seat, dishes, or deciding on the next activities, you must respect the other party’s ideas. When encountering disagreements, communicate in a negotiating tone and work together to find solutions.

14. Pay attention to body language

Maintain a good posture, keep your chest and head up, and don’t bend over or cross your legs. Open body postures, such as arms naturally relaxed and the body slightly leaning forward, can convey your positive attitude.

15. Express praise at the right time

Sincerely praise the other person’s strengths or details, such as “Your outfit today is very tasteful” and “Your smile is healing.” Compliments should be specific and real, and avoid being exaggerated or false.

16. Control the use of mobile phones

Try to reduce the frequency of looking at mobile phones during the date to avoid making the other party feel ignored. If there is an important message that needs to be replied, explain the situation to the other party first and express your apologies.

17. Share personal experiences

Share your life, interests and values appropriately during the chat, but don’t talk too much, leave room for the other party to express, and maintain a balance in communication.

18. Create common memories

You can do some interesting little things together, such as feeding pigeons in the park and trying special snacks in street shops. These common experiences can deepen each other’s impressions and provide topics for subsequent communication.

3. Ending the date: leaving good thoughts

19. Seize the opportunity to end the date

When both parties are having a good time and the time is close to the expected time, you can take the initiative to end the date. Avoid waiting until both parties feel tired or have nothing to say before ending, and keep the feeling of not having enough.

20. Politely send the other party home

If conditions permit, take the initiative to send the other party home. Make sure the other person arrives safely before leaving, which shows your gentlemanly demeanor or thoughtfulness. If you cannot see them off, you should also care about their transportation arrangements.

21. Express gratitude

At the end of the date, sincerely thank the other person for taking the time to meet you and express that you had a good time. For example, “I am very happy to chat with you today, thank you!”

22. Make an appointment to meet next time

If you have a good impression of the other person, you can tactfully express your desire to meet again when you say goodbye, such as “I recently found a good bookstore, let’s go to it together next time we have a chance?” But don’t put too much pressure on the other person.

23. Timely follow-up contact

On the evening of the date or the next day, you can send a simple greeting to the other person through a message to continue the good atmosphere of the date. But don’t contact too frequently to avoid causing trouble to the other person.

24. Reflection and summary

Review the dating process and summarize the good things and shortcomings that need to be improved. These experiences can help you perform better in future dates.

25. Keep a calm mind

No matter what the result of the date is, you must keep a calm mind. If both parties have a good impression of each other, let it develop naturally; if there is no possibility of further development, don’t be too disappointed, and regard it as a valuable social experience.

26. Respect the other party’s decision

Respect the other party’s feelings and choices, and don’t put pressure on the other party. Feelings are two-way, and forced melons are not sweet. Face the development of feelings with an open-minded attitude.

The first date is an exploration journey full of unknowns and expectations. These 26 suggestions are like a compass, which can help you show your best state in the date and gain beauty and heart. Remember, sincerity, respect and care are the key to impressing the other party. May every first date be the starting point of a beautiful love.