Getting out there on the dating scene can be tough – especially if you’re new to it. Perhaps you’re newly divorced or broke up with your long-term partner, and now it’s time to see what’s out there. It’s intimidating! And, if you’re new to the dating world, it’s probably been a while – and times have changed. There are apps and a whole web-based world of dating that can feel super exciting, but whoa. Scary.
8 Tips for First Date Nerves
If you’re an active dater and you have the entire app thing down, you may still get those first date nerves. Honestly – I’m not so sure those ever go away! So how do you manage feeling so nervous? First of all – it’s normal. So don’t get too upset with yourself. But, you know what? You may not be able to overcome it, but you can find ways to make it more manageable. Here are eight tips for first date nerves.
- When you’re making plans, keep it simple. An easy plan is a good plan – that way you know exactly what to wear and exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Go to a bar for happy hour, grab a coffee, go for a walk – nothing extreme and you’ll be good to go.
- Take the pressure off yourself. The first date is a just a way to meet. It doesn’t have to be anything more if you don’t want it to be.
- Pick a place that feels good for you. Don’t go somewhere you don’t feel comfortable with – that will only add to the nerves.
- Get your exercise on before your date. Head straight to the gym to get all that nervous energy out in the most positive way possible: sweat.
- Simply be yourself. You have no reason to feel like you need to impress anyone – this is you, doing you and being you.
- Suggest that you do something outside or active – like grab coffees and take a walk. Sometimes that’s a little less intimidating than sitting across from one another in a restaurant.
- Don’t worry about any long-term implications. It’s just a first date, take it at face value and have fun.
- Remind yourself of just how wonderful you are and what your best qualities are that you can share with someone. Let those shine and radiate through you.
So how about it? Can you manage your next first date with a bit more confidence?
