If you’re like most men, the thought of going on a first date probably fills you with dread, but if you’re in the dating scene, it’s unavoidable . Am I going to say the wrong thing? Will she think I’m boring? What if I can’t think of anything to talk about?
Relax! We’ve got you covered. Below are first date tips we’ve gathered what we believe are the best first date tips for men. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be sure to impress and score that second date…or maybe something more!
Arrive on time
If you’re like most men, you probably think that being late is no big deal. After all, you’re just trying to make a good impression, right? Wrong. Arriving late for a first date is a major turn-off for most women.
When it comes to first date advice, this is a big one. Not only does it show that you’re not very punctual, but it also makes you look like you don’t care about the actual date.
So, what can you do to make sure you arrive on time? For starters, set your watch or phone alarm for at least 10 minutes before the date is scheduled to start. This will give you plenty of time to get ready and leave the house without feeling rushed.
Another good tip is to map out the route to your date’s location ahead of time. This way, you’ll know exactly how long it will take to get there and can plan accordingly. And if you’re driving, be sure to allow for extra time in case you hit traffic.
Finally, keep in mind that being late is often worse than arriving early. If you’re running behind schedule, call or text your date to let them know and apologize for the inconvenience. They’ll appreciate your effort and it will help prevent any awkwardness when you finally arrive.
Dress to impress
Dressing to impress on a first date can be a daunting task for any man. After all, you want to look your best while also making sure you don’t come across as trying too hard. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can follow to make sure you hit the perfect balance.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that less is more. You don’t want to go overboard with your outfit and look like you’re trying too hard. A simple, well-fitting suit will do the trick. Make sure your shoes are polished and your hair is neatly styled.
It’s also important to pay attention to the little details. Make sure your nails are clean and your breath is fresh. These small things can make a big impression on a woman.
Last but not least, confidence is key. No matter what you’re wearing, if you carry yourself with confidence, you’ll look great. So stand up straight, make eye contact, and exude positive energy. If you do all of these things, you’re sure to impress on your first date.
Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses
When it comes to the first date, men can sometimes get a little carried away with their spending. Whether it’s picking up the tab for dinner or buying drinks at the bar, it’s important to make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses. Otherwise, you may end up looking like a cheap date.
One way to avoid this is to set a budget for your date night beforehand. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on dinner, drinks, and activities, and stick to it. This will help you avoid any awkward moments when the bill comes.
Another first date tip is to avoid going to expensive places on your first date. Stick to casual restaurants or bars where the prices are reasonable. This way, even if you do end up spending more than you planned, it won’t break the bank.
Finally, if you’re really worried about money, consider doing something free or low-cost on your first date. There are plenty of things you can do that don’t cost much money, like going for a walk in the park or meeting at your local coffee shop. Just make sure you’re still able to have a good time and get to know each other.
Be a gentleman and open doors for your date
A gentleman is always a welcome sight, especially on a first date. Women love when men open doors for them, whether it’s opening the car door or pulling out a chair at a restaurant. It’s the little things that matter and show that you’re a considerate person. Other ways to be a gentleman on a first date include:
- Offering your jacket if she’s cold
- Paying for the date
- Walking her to her door at the end of the night
Being a gentleman doesn’t mean you have to be stuffy or uptight. You can still be fun and charming while being polite and considerate. The first date can be nerve-wracking for both parties, so try to relax and enjoy yourself. If you focus on making your date comfortable and having a good time, chances are she will too.
Be polite and attentive to your date’s needs
When it comes to impressing a woman on a first date, being polite and attentive to her needs is key. Here are a few tips to make sure you make a good first impression:
- Be on time. Nothing is more frustrating than being kept waiting, especially on a first date. Make sure you arrive on time, or even better, early.
- Listen to her. Women love to talk, and we want our date to be interested in what we have to say. So make sure you listen attentively and ask questions about the things she’s telling you.
- Compliment her. We all like to feel appreciated, and a genuine compliment will go a long way in making your date feel special. Just make sure you don’t go overboard – too much flattery can be a turn-off.
- Be a gentleman. Whether it’s opening the door for her or pulling out her chair, little acts of chivalry will score you big points with your date.
Make her laugh
When it comes to first date tips for men, making your date laugh is always a good strategy. After all, laughter is the way to a woman’s heart, right? But what if you’re not naturally funny? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help you make your date laugh, even if you’re not a natural comedian.
Be self-deprecating.
Making fun of yourself is always a surefire way to get someone else to laugh. If you can’t think of anything else to say, try making a joke about yourself. Chances are, your date will find it endearing and maybe even a little bit sexy.
Tell a funny story.
Do you have a funny story about something that happened to you recently? Now’s your chance to share it! The first date is all about getting to know each other, so telling a funny story is a great way to break the ice and get your date laughing. And don’t forget to always make eye contact when telling the story.
Make a observational joke.
Is there something funny going on around you that you can comment on? Making an observational joke is a great way to show off your wit and make your date laugh. Just be sure not to overdo it – nobody likes a smart aleck!
Ask her funny questions.
Asking your date questions is a great way to get to know her better, but you can also use questions as a way to make her laugh. For example, instead of asking “What do you do for work?” try asking “If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?” You never know – she might just tell you she’s always wanted to be a professional clown!
Avoid getting drunk or getting into any arguments
When it comes to first dates, there are a few things that men should avoid if they want to make a good impression. One of the most important things to avoid is getting drunk or getting into any arguments. OBVIOUSLY!
Women don’t want to date someone who is going to get drunk and cause a scene. It’s a major turn-off and it will only make her feel uncomfortable. If you really want to impress her, stick to one drink and nurse it throughout the night.
Arguing is also a big no-no on a first date. It shows that you’re not able to compromise or see things from another person’s perspective. If you have differing opinions, try to find common ground or simply agree to disagree. Getting into an argument will only ruin your chances of getting a second date.
So, if you want to make a good impression on your first date, remember to avoid getting drunk or getting into any arguments. Stick to one drink, be respectful of your date’s opinions, and just enjoy yourself.
Relax and keep breathing
A date is not the time to dwell on your worries or problems. If you go into a date feeling stressed or anxious, your date will pick up on that and it will put a damper on things. So, do yourself a favor and forget about your worries for the night.
Enjoy yourself and your date. Who knows, you might even forget all about whatever was stressing you out in the first place!
Another one of the best first date tips for men to be present in the moment and truly engaged with your date. This means putting away your phone and giving your full attention to the person in front of you.
Active listening is key, so ask questions and show that you’re interested in what they have to say. First dates can be nerve-wracking, but try to relax and have fun. You never know, this could be the start of something great!
Make sure you have a plan for the date and know where you’re going
As far as first date tips for men goes, date planning is key. It’s always a good idea to have a plan for your date, especially if you’re the one who asked her out. You don’t want to be scrambling to think of something to do, or worse, have her suggest something that you had no interest in doing. So take the time to come up with a few date ideas that she might enjoy, and then let her choose which one she’d like to do.
As for where you’re going, again, it’s best to have a few options in mind. If you’re not sure what her interests are, ask her friends or take a look at her social media accounts to get an idea of the kinds of things she likes. Once you have a few ideas, you can again let her choose which one she’d like to do.
Of course, if you have a great idea for a date that you know she’ll love, feel free to just go for it! But in general, it’s always a good idea to have a plan and know where you’re going before you head out on a first date.
Don’t talk about exes, religion, or politics on the first date
When it comes to first dates, there are a few topics that are best left off the table. This is especially true for men, who tend to be a bit more prone to foot-in-mouth disease. Here are a few first date tips for men to help you avoid any awkwardness or potential disaster and help you ensure a successful first date.
- Don’t bring up your ex – This is a surefire way to kill any chance of chemistry. Your date doesn’t want to hear about how crazy/insane/awful your ex was. Besides, talking about your ex is a sure sign that you’re not over them yet. Move on and find someone new to share your life with.
- Avoid controversial topics – First dates are supposed to be fun and lighthearted. They’re not the time or place to get into a heated discussion about politics or religion. If you must discuss these topics, do so in a respectful manner.
- Be yourself – This is the most important tip of all. Be confident and comfortable in your own skin. The right person will love you for who you are, flaws and all. So relax, be yourself, and let the sparks fly!
Get her a small gift or flowers to show you’re thinking of her
When it comes to first date tips for men, one of the best things you can do is bring your date a small gift or flowers. This is a great way to show your date that you’re thinking of her and that you care about making a good impression.
Of course, you don’t want to go overboard with this gesture. A small bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates is usually sufficient. You also don’t want to spend too much money on this gift, as it may make you appear desperate or insincere.
If you’re not sure what kind of gift to get, try to think of something that would be meaningful to your date. For example, if she loves animals, you could get her a small plush animal or a keychain in the shape of her favorite animal. If she’s a bookworm, a bookish mug or bookmark would be a thoughtful present.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to include a card with your gift. A handwritten note is always appreciated and will show your date that you put some thought into the gesture.
End the date with a polite goodbye and make sure you follow up with her afterwards
It’s always a little awkward when you’re trying to end a date. You don’t want to be too forward, but you also don’t want to leave things hanging. The best way to end a date is typically with a polite goodbye and make sure you follow up with her afterwards.
When you’re saying goodbye, make sure you look into her eyes and give her a sincere compliment. Thank her for spending her time with you and let her know that you enjoyed yourself. Then, give her a hug or handshake (depending on your level of comfortability) and say goodbye.
Once you’ve said your goodbyes, make sure you follow up with her afterwards. Shoot her a text or call her the next day to let her know that you’re thinking about her. This will show her that you’re interested in continuing the relationship and it will leave her looking forward to hearing from you again.
Bonus Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
See below for a several first date questions that we see a lot of. If you have any more, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email us any follow up questions you might have.
Should I hug a girl on the first date?
First dates can be tricky. You want to make a good impression, but you don’t want to come on too strong. So what’s the right move?
Should you go for the hug? It’s a tough call. On the one hand, it might show her that you’re a touchy-feely kind of guy, which can be a turn-on. On the other hand, she might think you’re trying to move too fast.
If you do decide to go for the hug, make sure you read her body language first. If she looks uncomfortable, back off. But if she seems into it, go ahead and go for it.
And whatever you do, don’t go for the full-on necktie-knotter. That’s just creepy.
Is it OK to kiss on the first date?
If you’re wondering whether it’s OK to kiss on the first date, you’re not alone. Whenever we’re asked about first date tips for men, it’s a question that we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another, and it can be a tough one to answer.
On the one hand, you don’t want to move too fast and scare your date off. On the other hand, you don’t want to make it through an entire date without making any physical contact. So what’s the right move?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to kiss on the first date:
- First and foremost, listen to your gut. If you’re feeling hesitant about kissing your date, it’s probably best to wait.
- That said, don’t be afraid to make the first move. If you’re both clearly enjoying yourselves and seem to be on the same page, go for it!
- If you do decide to kiss, keep it simple. A light peck on the lips is usually all it takes. No need to go in for a full-on makeout session.
- Finally, don’t stress about it too much. The most important thing is that you’re both having fun and getting to know each other. If that first date kiss happens, great. If not, no big deal.
How should a guy act on a first date?
For starters, unless you’ve been explicitly told otherwise, don’t assume that this is a formal occasion. First dates are often more casual affairs, so it’s generally best to err on the side of casual dress and demeanor. That being said, there are a few things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack and make a good impression.
Be confident, but not cocky. No one likes a braggart, but confidence is key in any social situation. Just remember to rein it in a bit and avoid coming across as arrogant.
Be attentive and engaged in the conversation. This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people zone out or focus more on their phone than their date. Make an effort to actually listen to what your date is saying and ask follow-up questions.
Try not to talk about yourself too much. It’s great to share stories and experiences, but remember that this person is here to get to know you, not hear about your life story. Keep the focus on them as much as possible.
Pay attention to body language. Again, this goes hand-in-hand with being an active listener, but also be aware of your own body
How can I be attractive on a first date?
There are a few key things that you can do to make sure you are attractive on a first date. First, it is important to be well groomed. This means taking a shower, shaving, and generally looking your best. It is also important to be well dressed. Wear clothes that are clean and wrinkle-free.
Additionally, it is important to be confident. Confidence is very attractive so make sure to exude confidence on your first date. Finally, be nice. Be courteous and respectful to your date and they will surely find you more attractive.
What should you not do on a first date?
We covered several don’ts through the articles, but here’s a list for quick reference:
- Don’t be late. This is a surefire way to start off on the wrong foot.
- Don’t talk about your ex. This is a big no-no. You don’t want to come across as bitter or still hung up on your past relationship.
- Try to avoid controversial topics like politics or religion. These can be touchy subjects and you don’t want to risk offending your date.
- Don’t drink too much. Alcohol can help ease the nerves but you don’t want to get drunk and make a fool of yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Just be natural and relax, and the rest will fall into place.
Final Thoughts
All in all, first dates are pretty awkward, but it’s an unavoidable aspect of the dating process. You’re meeting someone for the first time, so you don’t really know what to expect. Even if you’ve been talking online or on the phone, it’s still hard to gauge what kind of person you’re dealing with.
Then there’s the whole question of what to do on a first date. Do you to a coffee shop? Dinner? A movie? And what should I wear? What should we talk about? There’s so much pressure to make a good impression that it’s no wonder the first date are so feared.
The best first date tip we can give is to relax and be yourself. You don’t want to put on an act or be someone you’re not. Just be yourself and let the person get to know the real you. If they don’t like you for who you are then it’s not meant to be. Just enjoy the date and have fun. Perhaps there won’t be a second one, but who cares! Learn from it and move to the next date.
But there is one upside to a first date that doesn’t go so well: it usually makes for a pretty funny story later on. So if your first date doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry. Just remember that you’re not alone and that everyone has been through the same thing. And who knows? Maybe your bad first date will lead to a great second date.
