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First dates are always met with nervousness; somehow, we’re all programmed to let our anxieties overcome the best of us in unfamiliar situations, and this can sometimes lead to a date disaster. We’re all susceptible to believing the stories of our friends as they warn us of their worst dating experiences, convinced that the same will happen to us.

Still scared of making mistakes on the romantic first meeting? With the aid of some brilliant advice, you have nothing to fear – here’s how to secure a successful first date…

Great Conversation is Key!

Maintaining an intriguing conversation with a romantic interest is often a challenging feat to achieve when meeting them for the first time, and I’m certain that at some point everyone has wanted the ground to swallow them up during awkward silences. Ditch the cringy pick-up lines straight away – they don’t work – and opt for an interesting and quirky conversation starter instead. Also, asking your date questions instead of immediately talking only about yourself will present you as invested and compassionate, which are character traits that anyone will adore. After all, nobody wants to be known as that date with the charisma of a potato!

Your Phone is Not Your Date

Let’s face it, Apple and Android have taken over our lives in the past decade… but this shouldn’t stand in the way of our love lives. It is crucial that on a first date, your phone stays hidden away in a pocket or bag since your attention needs to be fully devoted to your potential lover. There is nothing ruder than ignoring a riveting conversation with your date for a scroll through Instagram or Facebook – that can wait. Remember the film ‘Her’ in which the main protagonist falls deeply in love with an AI? This shouldn’t be the narrative you’re aiming for, so say goodbye to your phone for a few hours to ensure that you are fully engaged in the best first date experience possible.

Ex? Ex who?

Excited to delve into dating sites and jump into a potential new relationship? Then do not even think about bringing your ex into the conversation. Trust me, I’ve learnt my lesson over the years, and this is a necessary piece of advice when meeting someone you are romantically interested in for the first time. Mentioning your romantic past and the trauma of past lovers is a definite route to deterring your date and losing their interest. Instead revel in the excitement of a brand-new love coming into bloom, as Rafiki says in The Lion King, “The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

Plan, Plan, Plan

Struggling to think of date ideas for the first meeting? A bit of pre-planning will never hurt. Having a pre-meditated itinerary of things to do on the first date not only portrays you as organised, but also eager and enthusiastic, which are incredibly impressive traits to have! Whether it is a night out at a swanky restaurant, an adventure to the beach, or even a trip to the cinema while Strathclyde dating, planning the first date beforehand is a necessary step to avoid confusion, boredom, and of course dreaded awkwardness.

Always Go with Your Gut

Finally, perhaps the most important piece of advice is to stay true to your gut feeling – what is it telling you about this person? Though you may not have ever listened to your science teacher, let me advise you that chemistry is the most vital element in finding new love. If the sparks don’t fly after the first romantic experience with that person, remain calm and be clear about your intentions because nobody enjoys being lead on. However, if you are feeling butterflies after the first meeting, then who knows. Perhaps you’ve found the one…