Top 10 Dating Tips /
It’s only women that get nervous about a date right? Wrong. Men often find dates nerve-wracking. From wardrobe malfunctions to the goodnight kiss, there are a number of potential minefields that could result in there being no second date. This is an essential list of dating tips – you’d be surprised how many guys are guilty of more than one of these!
1. Chivalry ISN'T dead /
Yes, sexist ideas of women being tied to either a stove or a Hoover are long gone, but that doesn’t mean you should treat a women like one of your buddies. Treat her like a lady – open doors, let her walk into the restaurant/cinema first, don’t be afraid to take the lead and recommend a certain drink or meal. Manners cost nothing!
2. Pay Attention /
Don’t just hear her; actually listen to what she is saying. Take an interest, ask questions and really get to know her. That is, after all, the reason you’re out on a date. Don’t get me wrong, she should want to find out about you too, this has to be a two-way thing. No one wants to sit in a restaurant and listen to someone talk about themselves all night long!
3. Avoid The Awkward Silences /
Like a test at school, research is everything. You don’t want to put on a front of being interested in something that you’re not, but it’s important to keep on top of what is happening in the world. Try and find a common ground, whether it’s through fashion trends, politics or music. Another conversation starter is to go to the cinema and then out for drinks. Discussing the film can make the first half hour of a date a little less nerve-wracking.
4. Be Punctual /
Arriving late will only serve to suggest that you’re not really bothered about the date. Remember, your first impression could easily be your last, so put the effort in and leave with plenty of time to get to where you are meeting. If you are meeting her at a restaurant or similar location, arrive slightly early, to avoid your date arriving and having no one to greet her. If you are picking your date up from their home, aim to arrive on time. Arrive too early and you risk her rushing to finish getting ready, and not feeling her best.
5. Make An Effort /
No, appearances aren’t everything. But if you turn up for a date having not showered for three days, your chances are slim. Brush your teeth, shower, use cologne if you like (but not too much), clean your fingernails and tidy your hair. Don’t turn up in your dirty trainers that you play football in, or jeans that haven’t been washed since you bought them! Think about where you are going – dress up if you are going somewhere fancy. The only thing worse than being turned away from a bar for not being dressed properly, is being turned away when you’re on a date.
6. The $100,000 Question /
Who picks up the bill? The traditional idea is that the guy should pick up the tab on the first date. But you don’t want to offend your date if she would prefer to split the bill. The safest way to approach this is offer to pay the bill without making a big deal of it. No one likes a show off, regardless of how much money you have! Splitting the bill is fine if your date really does protest against you paying, but again try not to make this into a big deal, or it can make the atmosphere really awkward really quickly.
7. Flatter Her /
That doesn’t mean telling her that her eyes are beautiful while staring at her chest. A simple ‘you look nice/lovely/beautiful’ when you first greet her will suffice. There is no need to pepper your conversation with compliments – it will only look insincere.
8. Think About Body Language/
Don’t cross your arms in front of you or face away from your date. You want to appear open and engaged, not closed and uninterested. Try and sit so that you are opposite, and look into her eyes when she is talking to you. Try not to be rigid – she will follow suit and it will make the date more relaxed.
9. Don't Exaggerate /
You may think that it sounds good to say that you used to be a professional football player. To your date, it probably doesn’t, and if it does she is more than likely going to look it up on Google only to find out that you were lying. Women appreciate honesty more than anything. If she doesn’t like you for who you are, then you’re not meant to be together anyway!
10. The Big Finale /
Not sure how to end the evening? Simple. If you like her, then say you will call her or get in touch. Even go as far as to arrange a second date there and then. But use your instinct; don’t push her or it will make her feel uncomfortable. Don’t make any false promises – only say that you’ll call if you genuinely want to. Same goes for the goodnight kiss, but only if it feels right and you’re getting the same vibe from her. Read her body language; if she leans in and you feel confident she’s interested then kiss her on the lips, but if you’re not sure then best to keep it to the cheek!