First Date

How To Be Successful At First Date According To Science

The sad truth is that most people don’t know how to date someone in a way that leads them to a second outing. They get too caught up in what they are feeling, or they try to be themselves all at once. That is why we’re going to show you the first date etiquette you need to know if you want to have a fantastic time with your partner. Keep these ideas in mind to get the most out of your romantic escapades!

The first date is the most important one you’re going to have (until you propose marriage, at least), and that means you must properly approach this romantic outing. Fortunately, you can go on a date using better tips than ‘be yourself’ or other platitudes. Our science-based approach to first-date tips will show you the things you should do and the things you must not do if you want to get acceptance for a second date.

We are going to take you through the things you must do when preparing for a date, how to behave, the etiquette to abide by, and what you can do to ensure a second date. These science-approved tips will help you date people and get better results than ever before.

Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing for Your First Date

When you are preparing to have a perfect date, you need to think about how you can make it special, unique, and successful. Individuals that study the sociology of dates have said there are some specific things to do on a date that will help you maintain your partner’s interest and be successful.

First off, you have to make sure you can hold an interesting conversation. You must prepare to have an intriguing conversation, especially if you are a person that lacks the social graces to come up with topics without trying. There are a few ways you can do this, starting by looking at your date’s profile and asking them to talk to you about one of their passions. You could also ask questions about their best vacation, goals for the future, or anything else related to them.

Another thing to do on a first date is to understand how you look at other people. This can require a long look in the mirror—literally. Everything from the way you dress to the words you use when speaking can have a subtle impact on the way that you’re perceived. Do you curse like a sailor? Stop it; cursing makes you sound uneducated and aggressive. Do you not own a single pair of long pants? It’s time to go shopping for an adult outfit that will impress your partner.

Preparing for Your First Date

Lastly, consider your location for the date. You need to find a place that is comfortable for you and your partner. You may want to go out for dinner at a decent restaurant (not a fast-food joint), or you may want to participate in an activity. That might not be the best thing, though. Instead, you should opt for somewhere smaller and more private so you can see if you match up well with the person before you settle in for a long night. By doing so, you can avoid potential embarrassment and have a graceful exit plan in place for you and your date.

These are just some of the scientifically proven ways that you can have a good first date. Remember that not all first dates are magical, and you need to be prepared to put in the effort to make them work.

How to Behave on a Date

Unfortunately, a lot of people have no idea how to act on a first date, but we’re going to help you in that endeavor. Follow these tips to learn how you should act on a date and which things you want to avoid.

As we have already said, you want to be a pleasant and earnest individual. That means you should make sure that you give your partner a nice compliment once in a while without going overboard, greet them kindly, and pay attention when they speak. You should try to refrain from cursing, too. Not only does cursing make you sound more aggressive and less educated, but it also can make people uncomfortable because it attracts unwanted attention.

Guys have a bad habit of trying to touch their partner on a first date. Not in the sense that you’re “handsy,” but that you are actively trying to show them your affection by touching them. According to scientists, you should stop doing that. Not only does touching someone without their permission tend to make them uncomfortable, but it demonstrated that you touch every person you’re on a first date with.

While you might have first date nerves, you should always stick to the plan that you made. Do not try to switch the location of the date at the last moment or back out at the last second. You committed, so see it through.

How to Behave on a Date

As we have already said, your appearance is very significant to your partner’s perception of you, and that first impression can transform the way your partner considers you. Dress well and act like you dress that way all the time—don’t complain that it’s uncomfortable!

Lastly, make sure you are present for your partner. That means you should pay attention to them while they speak, listen to their suggestions about the date, and keep your phone out of reach. Do not look for distractions while you’re on the date because it shows you’re not fully invested in your partner.

To sum it up:

  • Do not curse
  • Do not touch your date often and for no reason
  • Be receptive to your partner’s suggestions
  • Leave your phone on emergency calls only and do not look at it
  • Make sure you dress well

Follow these rules for going on a date, and you should do fine.

Know the First Date Etiquette

Another significant part of a burgeoning romance is the first date etiquette. People have asked all kinds of questions about what is right to do on the first date and what they should avoid.

You should always try to exhibit manners that are considered conservative for your culture (to an extent). For a man, you should think about doing some of the following:

  • Pick up your date at home, introduce yourself to her family members, and make sure to hold the door when she is ready to leave her home as well as when she is getting into your vehicle.
  • Dress well. You need to look your best so that your partner feels happy and confident to be seen out in public with someone like you.
  • If you asked her out on the date like a man, then offer to pay for whatever food or activity you’re doing. You might run into more ladies that are insistent upon paying their way. Ask them if they are sure, and then give them the chance to do just that.
  • Eat your meal using proper manners. That means keeping your elbows off the table and not talking with your mouth full of food.

These are some of the most basic manners that men have to consider.

Ladies should also consider things like:

  • Dress well and appropriate to the occasion;
  • Do not be distracted by your phone during dinner;
  • Allow your partner to purchase dinner for you if they are happy to do it. You can always spring for other aspects of the date.

You need to remember that the entire reason you are on the first date is to test your compatibility to see if you merit another date. That means you might want to refrain from some of the typical romantic activities that are reserved for formal dates.

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with getting physical on the first date, but we’re here to answer the question of what science has to say about the matter.

According to social scientists, the answer to whether you should kiss on the first date is a firm: maybe. That depends on how the date goes. If you are utterly confident that you and your partner make a good pair, then you can feel free to kiss them at the end of the night. It could be the first kiss of a long and healthy relationship.

Know the First Date Etiquette

Another question that is always asked is whether you should have sex on the first date. The answer to that question is usually a ‘no’ from the scientific community. It’s not a matter of being prudish, but sex carries implications beyond having a little physical contact and seeking pleasure. Having sex can result in serious illnesses being transferred between two people or the creation of human life. It is best to forget about having sex on the first date and leave that for a time when you are both more prepared for the event.

These are just some of the different things you must think about on the date in terms of basic etiquette. You should refresh yourself on these rules before you go on a date to impress your partner and leave them feeling good that they decided to choose you for a date.

What to Do on a First Date to Get a Second One

When you go on a first date, you can do some things to ensure that you get a second date. According to the scientists, here is what to do on a first date to impress your partner enough to want a second one.

First off, you need to be on your best behavior, as outlined above. There is more to it, though. You need to take your partner to a place where they feel they can get to know you best. That means taking part in an activity that shows them the best side of you. Fortunately, many dating options demonstrate your personality in a great way.

  • Eat a Late Dinner

The main dinner rush is gone, the dining room has calmed down, and the restaurant feels empty. Take your time to sit and eat, answer questions, and dig into your personality.

  • Work Out

Getting physically fit is something that most people want to do, so make time for it by scheduling a workout date with your partner. Ask them questions between sets of lifting weights or while you’re running together. Check with your partner before you host this kind of a date and always have food and drinks available after.

  • Go to a Concert

Do you both love the same bands? Then you should definitely consider going to see a concert with your partner. You could spend hours listening to the music you love and then talking about it.

  • Do Something New to Both of You

You have to show your partner that you are human and fallible, so do something you’re bad at. Go mini-golfing or bowling. Spend more time talking about each other than the event, giving you time to break the ice and have fun.

Do Something New to Both of You

Getting a second date is all about setting the right tone with your date. Show them that you are interested and want to get to know them more, and then put yourself in the position to do that by having quality dates. Using these methods and the sum of all the advice so far, you can have a great first date with your partner.

Science has a lot to say on the topic of dating. This article has covered a lot of the basics about dating and what you can do to impress your partner. Now that you know what you should do and what you should avoid, it’s time for you to get out there and use this new approach to romance!

Author: Jennifer Lorusso
Jennifer Lorusso is a recognized dating and interpersonal relationship expert. As a woman with Psychological degree, she utilizes both her whole life training and her incredible life experiences to serve her readers. She is known for her approachable manner and empathetic abilities. She trully believes that everyone can find true love as long as they believe it is available to them.
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