First appointment
First appointment

The various confinements had put them on hold for a while. But now they're gradually picking up again! "They? First dates, of course! You know, the ones that give you the chance to see the other person for the first time, and possibly plan to continue the adventure together. Is it your turn to have that famous first date? Congratulations, you've made the leap from the virtual to the real world! But perhaps you're a little stressed at the idea of meeting someone for the first time? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your first date.

Coming without preconceptions

It's best to arrive at your date without doing too much research on the person you're going to meet. As the saying goes: "Don't do unto others as you would have them do unto you", put yourself in the shoes of the person you are going to meet. Would you like them to go and play Sherlock Holmes on the web to find out information about you? Wouldn't you be embarrassed by the idea that they might have seen some old, less than glowing photos of you on a Skyrock blog that is now obsolete, for example? So learn to protect your privacy and that of others. To do this, avoid "googling" the person you're about to meet. You can usually find information about them on search engines or social networks. It may be posts sent by the person themselves. It could also be conversations or articles about them. At a time when the lives of many of us are spread out over the web, be careful not to form any preconceived ideas. Avoid looking for this information before your first date. Otherwise, avoid asking her a whole bunch of questions related to your research on your first date. This could make her feel uncomfortable.

Arrive on time

Don't be like Hugh Grant, who was a habitual latecomer and blunderer in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. Arriving on time allows you to feel relaxed and more confident. It also shows your partner that you are reliable and trustworthy. So your date gets off to a good start. To arrive on time, plan to arrive on average a quarter of an hour early. If you arrive very early for your appointment, don't hesitate to visit the surrounding area. This will allow you to get some fresh air and relax. You'll also avoid the risk of being seen lining up at the door of the establishment where you have your appointment. If you can't make it in time, text your date as soon as possible to say you're sorry. This will show him that you care about him and this meeting. Don't forget the saying: "Politeness is the prerogative of kings".

Dressing up (but not too much)

The question of what to wear is often crucial before a first date. What clothes should I wear? Always try to look smart. Of course, you also need to adapt your clothes to the style of the place you're going to. For example, if you're meeting someone in a trendy bar, you'll want to dress more casually, whereas if you're meeting someone in a smart restaurant, you'll want to dress more conservatively. For men, there's no need to wear a dinner jacket for every occasion. For ladies, there's no need to wear too much make-up. There's no such thing as too much. It's all a question of tact and dosage. The most important thing is to feel comfortable in your outfit and adapt it to the circumstances. It also gives you a little more self-confidence.

Use humour sparingly

Humour is a sensitive subject on a first date. For example, a recent survey shows that a well-managed sense of humour can get someone a second date. Conversely, 84 % of women and 64 % of men surveyed believe that a poor sense of humour can end a relationship. So be careful when you're trying to make someone laugh. Avoid, for example, launching into endless antics at the start of your date. They risk making the other person feel uncomfortable or sending them into a fit of giggles, for reasons that are not necessarily the right ones. Remember that humour is above all a profession. Not everyone handles humour in the same way. Some people are good at it, others not so much. Some people are more receptive than others. But how do you lighten the mood without killing it? It might be a good idea to use the "private jokes" you've used when chatting on the dating site. This creates continuity between your virtual and real conversations. It also makes for more natural, less forced exchanges. You should also pay attention to your partner's reaction when you make these jokes. You'll find out more about how they take your jokes. And you'll be able to continue or adapt them more appropriately.

Be yourself

If there were only one piece of advice, it would be this: be yourself! That's how you show the other person that you're ready for a beautiful relationship. It's easier said than done. Above all, it requires a little work on yourself before the first date. To ensure that you arrive at your first date in an authentic and serene manner, ask yourself a few questions beforehand. Ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will give you a better idea of your current potential and limitations. Also try to understand what worked well in your previous romantic encounters and what didn't work so well. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes again. Ask yourself what you really want from this date. This will enable you to arrive at your date in a more informed way. Finally, to bring out your personality better, you can choose a meeting place that particularly inspires you. For example, why not go to a bar you know well? You'll feel more comfortable in your element. When you meet, be relaxed too. Your personality will come out more easily. Learn to laugh at yourself. For example, did you drop a tomato while eating a hamburger? It's no big deal, just laugh about it! And simply enjoy the moment. So enjoy your first date!