How to Survive Your First Date

It seems that WelcomeToMichaeland doesn't like guys who smell like pickles. To each her own! —Sparkitors

One's very first date can go in a few different directions. It can be a total disaster, it can go wonderfully, or it can be entirely anticlimactic. Personally, on my first date, I felt like a flock of pterodactyls were having a dance party in my stomach (not a very pleasant feeling). But I digress. I am here to help anxious Sparklers and Manklers survive their first date.

Here are some tips that helped me get through it:

1. Rehearse. I know it sounds weird, but coming up with topics and having conversations with myself in front of the mirror or talking to my teddy bear just helped me not be a puddle of nerves when the day was upon me.

2. Don't think about it. Every time you think about the date, the pterodactyls will awaken and resume their rowdy dance party in your stomach. Keep yourself busy to avoid obsessing.

3. Set clear boundaries. I was very clear with my date that I hadn't had much experience and that we were going to have to go at a snail's pace. Guess what? He was totally cool with it. Because the person you are date-ifying obviously likes you, he should be totally fine with respecting you. If he isn't, he's probably not worth it anyway.

4. Relax. Easier said than done, I know. Keep reminding yourself that you two are friends who may have the urge to kiss every so often. Focus on the friends part. Get into the attraction mess in a few dates.

5. Do NOT Listen to friends' horrible date stories. "He smelled like pickles." "It was actually his twin brother." "I showed up with my mouth blackened from eating freeze-dried blueberries." If you listen to such stories, you will be scared out of your wits by the time you get to your date. Stress will distract you from the relaxing part. When your best friend tells you about his date with a girl who wore fur shorts and sucked her thumb, try to see the funny side of it.

6. Have FUN! A bunch of my friends got so caught up with "OMG THIS IS MY FIRST DATE" that they forgot this was supposed to be a fun experience. Don't just sit/stand there awkwardly and do nothing; talk to your date! The question game is always a fun way to break the ice. Or comment on common interests.

Hope this helped. Above all else, just be yourself and let loose a little. You'll live.

How did your first date go?

Related post: Is This a Dating Dealbreaker?

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