5 Ways to Make a Good First Impression on a Date
Going on a first date can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to make a good impression and find yourself searching for the perfect outfit and planning out all the things you might do. But, it’s extremely easy to forget all about making a great first impression – until it’s too late!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to crafting the perfect first impression on a first date. From styling your outfit to creating a great conversation starter, these five tips can help you stay calm, confident and make it even easier to make that connection in person.
Table of Contents
Dress to Impress
First impressions are critical, and they start with what you wear. So, when you are preparing for your date, make sure you select the perfect outfit. Of course, you should always dress to suit the occasion, but it’s also important to let a little bit of your personality shine.
If you’re not sure how formal to go, start with an outfit that’s a bit nicer than you would typically wear in day-to-day life. That way, you won’t have to worry about looking too dressed up, but you still look pulled-together and professional.
Be Yourself
It can be tempting to try to project a certain image on a first date, but it’s absolutely not necessary. Instead, take the opportunity to be your unique self—it’ll be the real you that your date will fall in love with, after all!
Whatever you do, remember that you shouldn’t share too much information right away — especially if it’s not something that you’re proud of or it could be a deal breaker for your date. Keep the conversation light, fun, and focused on the present moment.
Don't Stress
It’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or nervous, but it’s important to stay calm. Remember that even if the date doesn’t work out, it’s part of the process of finding that perfect person.
So, take a few deep breaths before you leave the house and try to focus on the positive. If you’re worried about anything, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few moments to collect yourself in the restroom during the date.
Turn Up the Charm
Your date will appreciate you using body language and conversational cues to show that you’re interested in getting to know them better—such as positive facial expressions, active listening, and using genuine compliments. For example, you could say something like, “I really like your style! Where did you find that jacket?”
This kind of conversation shows that you’re paying attention to the other person, which is a great way to make them more comfortable and make a good first impression.
Be On Time
Finally, one of the most important things to remember is that punctuality is key. Showing up late or even a few minutes early can be a huge turn-off for a date. Plus, it’s always good to be mindful of your date’s time and respect their schedule.
Arriving on time also gives you a chance to get settled and relax before jumping into the date. You don’t want to be feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or flustered before meeting your date in person—so plan accordingly!
Final Thoughts
Making a great first impression on a first date can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these five tips—like dressing to impress, being yourself, taking a few deep breaths, using positive body language, and showing up on time—you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable experience and landing a second date.