Prepare early in advance for the date. Eat light so you don’t feel funny if your stomach gets upset with anticipation of the date. Plan what you’re going to wear that is appropriate for the date so you’re prepared and don’t feel under- or over-dressed while you’re out. Wear something that makes you feel your most confident you’ll feel more like yourself when you’re comfortable with what you have on and know you look amazing.
Greet your date with open arms. Be the first to extend yourself to your date to hopefully remove some of the awkwardness of your greeting. Compliment your date; this puts you in control and makes them feel good about themselves and sets the tone for opening conversation.
Take a deep breath. It’s common to forget to breathe while you’re nervous, so make a conscious effort to get in a few deep breaths while you’re letting your date speak. Let some of the adrenaline die down by asking a general question about the environment you’re in. Ask, “This place is nice, isn’t it?” or “Have you been here before?” Build the conversation with light small talk so that you don’t have to focus on yourself immediately.
Make room for good conversation. Allow the flow of chatting with your date to feel smooth like a tennis match where you and your date will take turns answering and asking questions. Avoid getting into one-sided, single-focused conversation where you’re the only person speaking, even if it’s just by habit because you’re nervous.
Just be you.
Don’t try and be someone you’re not.
