First Dates make Me Nervous...What can I do?

First dates can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression, to come across as confident, attractive, and a great catch. Sometimes the pressure can be overwhelming, leading you to sweaty palms, stuttering, talking incessantly, and other nervous behavior. So what can you do to calm your nerves and be the person you truly are?

Following are some tips to help:

Go someplace familiar. If you have a favorite restaurant or café that makes you feel comfortable, choose this location for a first date. Comfortable settings help ease the pressure of a first date, rather than trying someplace new.

Do an activity. If you feel pressured about conversation flow and what to talk about, try scheduling a hike, playing pool, or another activity. Being active gives you both something to focus on besides the date, and is also a way to channel nervous energy.

Ask questions. Instead of listing off your successes, the car you drive, or anything else you find brag-worthy on a date, try asking questions instead. It's very attractive when someone wants to know more about you. Doing this also helps you connect and find things in common.

Have a passion? If you are passionate about biking, sailing, or anything else, bring it up! There's nothing more attractive than someone who lights up when talking about a particular subject.

This isn't a job interview! I've said this before, but please lighten up when you're on a date. There's no need to have a serious conversation or ask a million questions to find out if he has everything on your checklist. A first date is an initial meeting to see if there's a spark or potential for connection, not a sales pitch.

Remember, it's a two-way street. If you're on a first date, it's because you met online, got fixed up, or were attracted to each other while waiting in line at the coffee shop. Whatever the case, you are both interested in meeting, so don't feel you have to prove something. Let the date progress naturally, without worrying so much about how you're coming across or what you'll say next.