Best tips for a perfect first date

Everything is ready: you are finally about to date the person you met on an online dating site. You have exchanged several messages by now and have decided to get to know each other better. So you've picked a date and maybe you've already checked out our tips on the best places to go on a first date (The 5 Best Places to Go on a First Date), and now the time for the date is here. If you're a little nervous, check out our best tips for a perfect first date.

What to do

Plan the meeting in advance

All right, you've already chosen the place to meet, but we're talking about a different kind of planning here. Planning the talk in advance can be a real panacea for pre-date stress. You certainly won't have to write down line by line the things you want to say, but think of a few questions to ask the other person about his or her interests and life plans, and some funny anecdotes you can share with them during the evening. This way you will cleverly avoid any awkward silences!

Be open and honest

Don't lie about your work, your past, or your interests. You don't necessarily have to tell everything about yourself on a first date, but never lie. Lies have short legs and will doom your relationship before anything can even be born. Also, be open to new experiences and new stimuli, and try to get to know the person in front of you without prejudice.

Smile

There is nothing more annoying than dating someone who stays mopey all evening. Try to smile and put the person in front of you at ease, relax, and you will see that the date will go well.

Things not to do

Go to the movies.

The setting you choose for a first date can be crucial to the success of the evening. As much as you both may love the movies, locking yourself in a dark room and being silent for two hours is not ideal for a first date. If this outing goes well, you can always make a movie date in the future.

Talking too much (or too little)

During a date, interaction should be mutual and balanced. Converse, ask, stimulate discussion, and try to focus on the interests you have in common. But don't get too personal or ask question after question: you are on a date, not a job interview. Of course, on the contrary, don't remain silent for too long and show yourself present and interested.

Using your phone

Put your smartphone away! Unless it's an emergency, don't touch your phone. You have made a commitment to one person, so honor it and put the evening in your focus.

As you may have guessed, there is no universal advice for a perfect first date. Choose a suitable place to have a casual chat, arrive on time, smile and always be sincere, use your instincts and common sense during the evening, and don't forget to have fun.