First Date Tips
By Jellybean
Yay! You've landed a date with that adorable guy you've been
crushing on. If he did the asking, he'll probably decide where you two
will go... but how are you supposed to act? What should and shouldn't you
do? Jellybean gets these questions all the time, so this column is full of
her 10 top tips for having a great and problem-free time on a first date.
TIP #1: DRESS LIKE YOURSELF
You'll definitely want to
look nice, even your best, for your date with your crush. But don't pick
this day to do a total fashion makeover! Ditto for your makeup and perfume
(if you wear it) - but don't go overboard. Remember, your crush is going
out with you for a reason: he already likes the way you look. Stick to
your usual style and wear something you feel confident in so you'll start
the date at your strongest. Don't wear anything way low-cut or
super-short. It sounds old-fashioned, but boys are simple creatures who
take things at face value. If you dress trampy, he'll assume you're up for
easy play, which is not the impression you want to give.
TIP
#2: DRESS FOR THE DATE ACTIVITY
Also, remember to keep in mind
what you'll be doing on the date and dress appropriately. For example, if
you're going to a theme park, wear pants - or your skirt could end up over
your head! If you're going to be walking a lot, wear shoes that won't have
you crying in pain after a few hours. If you're going to the beach, don't
overdo the makeup because it will look terrible when it melts off later.
You get the idea.
TIP #3: DON'T MAKE IT COMPLICATED
Keep the date simple. You're nervous enough without making a big show,
liking creating a homemade picnic or having several different activities
planned. Plus, some activities sound like more fun than they actually are,
and you don't want to get stuck in an evening you won't enjoy. Pick a
basic first-date activity like seeing a movie (bonus: no pressure to talk
for 2 hours!), going to a show, going dancing, going to a carnival or
theme park or the zoo, having coffee at a hip cafe or getting ice cream
and walking in the park.
TIP #4: ASK QUESTIONS
This is
a classic Jellybean Flirting Tip, and an important one for a first date.
Ask your date about himself! If he's like most people, he secretly thinks
he is the most interesting subject. But the most interesting
conversationalists are people who ask about others, so impress him with
your question-asking and listening skills. Great light topics to ask about
are school, music, hobbies, sports, movies, family, vacations. Listen to
his answers and ask him more questions to expand on them. (Example: "Oh,
your favorite movie is Sixth Sense? Are you a big horror movie fan
usually, or was it just the amazing acting in that movie?") He'll feel
great that you're so interested in him, and you'll get to know him that
much better.
TIP #5: KEEP THE CONVERSATION LIGHT
First
dates are about having fun and making a good impression. They are not the
time for talking about how badly old boyfriends treated you, intense
family problems, or other stuff you only talk about with your best friend.
This is a first date, not a therapy session!
TIP #6: DON'T PUT
ON AN ACT
You'll be sorry later if you put on a big act to impress
your date. What if he never calls you afterward, and you're left agonizing
over whether he would have liked you better if you had just been yourself?
Even if he does love the fake you, you'll feel cheated because he's not
really liking "you", plus you'll have to keep up the act or he'll think
you're a psycho! It's much easier - and better for both of you - if you
just try to relax and be yourself. You are impressive and nice enough in
your real self. If he doesn't think so, he's a loser!
TIP #7:
SHOW INTEREST
This is simple - it's just about having the basic
manner to pay attention when your date is talking to you. It's amazing how
many girls (and boys) are in the habit of looking over someone's shoulder
to see who else is around or what's going on. It's rude and he could get
annoyed, so don't.
TIP #8: WATCH OUT FOR MESSY MUNCHIES
There are certain foods that are famous for being disastrous on first
dates, because they are so messy and contain so much potential for
embarrassment. It's hard not to make a mess of yourself when eating pizza,
spaghetti and anything overly sloppy or dripping with cheese. Ditto for
noodle soup. Keep that in mind if you and your date grab a bite.
TIP #9: BRING MINTS
Bring breath mints in your purse.
It will make you feel confident knowing that they're there, and you can
pop one if you think your bresh isn't fresh. They're especially handy for
being ready for that good-night kiss, if it happens! (Brush your teeth and
use mouthwash before you go out too).
TIP #10: HAVE FUN
Read these tips over before your date and get comfortable with them.
Then go out on your date and have a great time! First dates can make us so
nervous that we forget to have fun. Try to relax as much as possible and
enjoy whatever you're doing. The bonus: if you genuinely enjoy yourself,
you'll seem like a fun person, and guys love that. :)
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