{"id":16048,"date":"2024-02-15T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T09:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/?p=16048"},"modified":"2024-02-22T08:41:08","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T08:41:08","slug":"first-date-dos-and-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/first-date-dos-and-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"First date dos and don\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"

First dates are an exciting opportunity to get to know someone better and perhaps spark a connection. You will of course want to make a great first impression and wow your potential lovebug, but it\u2019s not always that simple.<\/p>\n

So many people on first dates find it hard to engage the other in conversation and, in the worst-case scenario, they may even give them the ick. But don\u2019t worry, as the thortful team has put together a few first date dos and don\u2019ts to help you not only avoid scaring the other person off, but actually show them why you\u2019re such a catch!<\/p>\n

What to do on a first date<\/h2>\n

Wherever you go for your first date, there will always be some first date dos and don\u2019ts to bear in mind. First of all, here are the things to do on a first date that you should bear in mind:<\/p>\n

Do dress appropriately:<\/strong> The outfit you wear should be suitable for the occasion and the venue. Choosing clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident without going overboard is a win-win.<\/p>\n

Do arrive on time:<\/strong> Arriving late to a date is unacceptable even if the traffic is bad. On time or slightly early is the sweet spot. Sometimes this isn\u2019t always possible though and if you are running late, let the person know so that they\u2019re not just left sitting there wondering whether you\u2019ve just stood them up.<\/p>\n

Do be genuine: <\/strong>It\u2019s so, so, SO tempting to show off on a first date, as you want to impress them and demonstrate how absolutely awesome you are. However, authenticity is key and waffling on about your many achievements can be incredibly off-putting. Be honest but humble and don\u2019t make it all about you.<\/p>\n

Do ask questions:<\/strong> A first date is very much a two-way process, as it\u2019s designed for you to find out more about each other and see if you\u2019re a good match. Make sure to ask your date open-ended questions about their interests, career and life goals.<\/p>\n

Do listen to them:<\/strong> You\u2019ve asked them a question so now it\u2019s time to listen. Show that you\u2019re paying attention when they\u2019re talking, as this will make them feel respected and valued.<\/p>\n

Do be polite to staff:<\/strong> Hopefully you do this anyway, but it\u2019s crucial that you\u2019re polite and friendly to the staff in the date venue. No snapping of fingers to get the waiter\u2019s attention!<\/p>\n

Do show appreciation:<\/strong> No matter how the date goes, always make it clear at the end that you\u2019re grateful for the time you spent together.<\/p>\n

Do follow up when the time feels right:<\/strong> If the date was a success and you\u2019d like to meet up again, send them a message to suggest a second date. How soon you do this is completely up to you, as even dating experts can\u2019t agree on an exact timeframe. If you\u2019re really not sure, we suggest messaging them within 24 hours.<\/p>\n

What NOT to do on a first date<\/h2>\n

Okay, here we go. These are things not to do on a first date, as all of them can result in a red flag that means you\u2019ll never see your date ever again.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t overshare:<\/strong> Sometimes a conversation can naturally veer onto a more sensitive or uncomfortable topic, such as politics, religion or even your exes. If this happens, try to move the chatter to something more positive.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t interrupt:<\/strong> Butting in when your date is speaking is very rude and will make them think you don\u2019t care about their thoughts. Keep your ears open and your mouth shut until it\u2019s your turn to speak.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t drink too much:<\/strong> It can be very easy to have one too many if your first date involves alcohol. It\u2019s important that you enjoy yourself but if you feel you\u2019re drinking too quickly or have had enough, switch to a soft drink or order a coffee.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t make them feel pressured:<\/strong> Even if the date is going better than you ever expected, you should never pressure them into any kind of physical intimacy such as holding hands or a quick kiss before they\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be negative:<\/strong> Did your boss annoy you this week? Is your kitchen sink leaking? Does your dog constantly leave \u201cpresents\u201d in the garden? These types of topics should only be shared if you can infuse them with humour. If you find yourself dwelling on negative stuff, it\u2019s time to change the subject to something more positive.<\/p>\n

These first date dos and don\u2019ts should help you to have a lovely first date and maybe even find that special someone. If you\u2019re already in a relationship, make sure to send this list to any friends who are getting ready for a first date (it\u2019s bound to get you lots of brownie points). And if you do have a partner or spouse, take a look at our wide range of Valentine\u2019s Day cards<\/a> and anniversary cards<\/a> to show them just how much they mean to you.<\/p>\n

Perhaps you\u2019re still on the dating scene and looking for more articles and inspiration? Over on the thortful blog<\/a>, we\u2019ve covered everything from dating trends and terminology<\/a> to fun first date ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

First dates are an exciting opportunity to get to know someone better and perhaps spark a connection. You will of course want to make a great first impression and wow your potential lovebug, but it\u2019s not always that simple. So many people on first dates find it hard to engage the other in conversation and,…<\/p>\nRead More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":16050,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[463],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFirst Date Dos & Don\u2019ts | thortful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"First dates are a chance to leave a lasting impression on a potential partner. 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