Just relax. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the details of a date: what to wear, where to go, when to meet up, what happens after the date ends, etc etc. Save yourself the hassle of over-analyzing everything and spend some time chilling before you go out. Whether you relax by watching you favorite TV show, taking a hot bath or listening to some music, make a point of taking 30 stress-free minutes out of your day a couple hours before your date. By the time your date arrives, you will be relaxed, refreshed and ready for a night out.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. If your date is grating on your nerves by unknowingly violating all of your pet peeves, cut the person some slack. When going on your first few dates with a new person, you’re bound to disagree on small matters. Differentiate between important matters and insignificant ones.
Be honest. While it’s a bad idea to tell your first date how you want to get married and start a family as soon as possible, it’s a good idea to be on the same page. Tell the truth about your dating expectations and find out what your date wants in return.
Play the game. Don’t think of dating as a way to find your future spouse. Instead, look at dating as an opportunity to find exactly what you DON’T want in a mate. Altering your perspective on the purpose of dating will help you to kick back and enjoy the company of new people. Even if you don’t make a romantic connection, dates can be a great networking tool and help you find new friends.
Don’t waste your time. If you’ve been on a date with someone you simply don’t want to spend time with, just move on. It can be easier said than done, but if that incredibly charming person you just met starts showing true colors that don’t agree with you, there’s nothing wrong with ending the relationship. Try to take the high road and offer a brief explanation of why you don’t want to see them again. By saying “This isn’t going to work, we don’t have anything in common,” you will run less risk of them contacting you in the future. If you simply blow a person off, they might call you endlessly to find out what happened.
Don’t fear rejection. You think you made a great connection, but your phone isn’t ringing. You’ve left 2 voicemails this week and gotten no response. It’s time to suck it up and keep going. You’re not going to make a connection with every person you meet. While being rejected (especially by someone you like) really stings, don’t take it too personally. Simply view it as a mismatch and put yourself back out on the scene.
Enjoy the experience. Even the worst dates have a perk: at least you’ve got an interesting story! While the stress of continually putting yourself out there with no result can be overwhelming, keep a positive attitude.
