Dating can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and, let’s be honest, sometimes straight-up awkward.
Whether it’s your first date ever or just the first with someone new, it’s totally normal to feel unsure about what to do (or not do).
This guide covers all the essential dating do’s and don’ts that will take the pressure off and help you date with confidence.
The Dating Do's
1. Show Respect By Showing Up On Time
Pretty simple.
Your date doesn’t want to grow old waiting for you to show up.
Forget fashionably late – arrive five minutes early, suss the place out and get the good seats.
2. Being Yourself is Always Best
Even if you’re feeling first date nerves, don't be anyone other than you.
You’re the one your date wants to hang out with, not some attempt at an improved version of you.
So as long as who you are is respectful and inquisitive, then yeah, be you.
3. Give and Take to Keep the Conversation Flowing
Try to make sure both of you are doing similar amounts of talking.
Follow up what you say with a question, and listen to answers, so you're not just talking about yourself.
4. Keep Calm
They might be nervous too, so keep it relaxed.
Sometimes you need to start by pushing yourself to smile or laugh a little just until things loosen up (while making sure to stay true to yourself).
5. Meet the Parents
Make an effort if and when you end up meeting their friends or family.
Nobody wants to explain why they’re hanging out with that moody person who just grunts and stares at their phone.
Maybe you're a little nervous or shy in front of new people, which is totally fine – we're just saying you can be quiet and still be polite.
6. Play Some Music to Avoid Crashing Out
Cranking some music can give you that last-minute confidence boost before you arrive.
And maybe opt for some rather than classical, or something that will get your heart rate up.
7. Lose the Stereotypes
Sure, offer to pay, but also offer to the split the bill.
Some people see this as a sign of respect and maintaining independence, especially on a first date.
Also ask yourself, 'if I was out with a mate would I offer to pay for them?'
Whatever you, do don't do it because of your gender.
If you're there first, yep, hold the door, grab drinks, take coats, etc.
But do it because you can, not because society expects you to.
8. Pay Some Compliments
As long as it’s genuine, don’t be afraid to throw a compliment or two their way.
Maybe try something about an impressive they've said or done, or how funny or intelligent you think they are.
9. Put Your Phone Away
Unless you're making a cute TikTok together, put your phone away.
Put your phone away! Seriously.
The Dating Don'ts
1. Don’t Obsess
Try and forget that weird nerve-induced thing you blurted out.
It doesn't matter if you said, ‘you too’ to the person at the register when you bought your smoothies said, ‘enjoy’.
Take a breath, and move on, they've probably done the same thing before too.
2. Slow Down
No matter how into this person you are, don’t go liking every photo on their Instagram or reposting all their TikToks just yet.
One date doesn’t mean growing old together.
3. Forget the Cheese
Leave out the following cheesy lines and any that are similar:
'I need a map because I’m lost in your eyes.'
'Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?'
'I'm not drunk, I'm intoxicated by you!'
They all suck really bad.
4. Don’t Talk About Your Ex
Whether it’s in a good way or bad, just don't do it.
No one wants to hear about the fun times you had with them, or how they broke your heart.
5. Don’t rush the physical stuff
Don’t feel any obligation to get anywhere.
It’s fine if neither of you can keep your hands off each other, but don’t spend the whole date thinking about how far you're gonna get.
6. Don't Brag
Got some exciting ideas? Fine.
But don’t go on about how you’re a genius entrepreneur and about to buy your first Lamborghini.
Even if any of it is true, spend some time asking them about how great they are.
7. Don’t Call All the Shots
Showing initiative is fine, but remember, you’re two people on a date.
Neither of you should be making every decision about where to go or what to do.
8. Don’t Interview Your Date
While it’s really important to ask questions, some questions kinda don’t make for a fun or relaxed date.
Steer clear of questions like:
'What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?'
'What’s your net worth?'
'When did you last update your resume?'
9. Don’t Rely On Any Substance to Calm Your Nerves
Nobody wants to be on a date with someone on a completely different wavelength.
Shockingly, it isn’t fun hanging out with someone who's off their face.
What Actually Works On A Date
There you have it – a bunch of tips on how to have a perfectly decent date (don't aim for 'perfect'... it'll end in disaster).
Basically, relax, be you, and just enjoy yourself!
