Tips And Tricks For The Perfect First Date

Going on a first date is a lot like spending a weekend in Vegas - if you don't play you'll never win, but a lot of times you'll be going home empty-handed. The key is to take it easy, decide you're going to have a good time no matter what, and, above all, do your homework.

In Vegas, "doing your homework" means researching the odds, understanding the house's advantages, and learning how to count cards. When it comes to dating, "doing your homework" means developing an understanding of how to think, act, and present yourself in ways that allow you to live up to your full dating potential.

So how do you make a flawless first impression?

Dress for success.

Choose an outfit that expresses your personality, increases your confidence, and makes you feel comfortable. Steer clear of overly trendy clothing and avoid using a first date as an opportunity to try out a completely new look. Add distinctive touches to your outfits, like a pocket watch you inherited from your great-grandfather or a scarf you purchased while doing charity work abroad. They show off your unique sense of style and they might be the beginning of a very interesting conversation.

Go beyond physical attraction.

Physical appearance is a powerful motivating force in human interaction, but it's intellectual attraction that creates a deep connection and a lasting bond. Highlight the intangible qualities that make you a catch, like your creativity, intelligence, and sense of humor, and find subtle ways to showcase your talents and express your best attributes.

Let your body do the talking.

While you're busy communicating verbally, your body is subconsciously sending a constant stream of inside information about you, like if your self-confidence is real or fake, when you're fudging the truth, and whether or not you're actually into your date. Body language is much too big of a topic to cover in this article, but plenty of information on the subject can be found online if you're interested in learning more.

Focus on your date.

It's tempting recite a list of all of the things the make you awesome in order to impress your date, but what really makes an impression is your ability to pay attention to them. Don't interrupt, don't let your eyes or mind wander, and don't forget to ask open-ended questions that indicate genuine interest and keep the conversation going.

Live in the moment.

If you're not in the right mindset, failure is guaranteed. Don't dwell on problems and painful memories, relationship-related or otherwise. Keep the past in the past and greet the present with passion.

Dating is a skill that needs to be rehearsed like a play, practiced like an instrument, studied like an academic subject, and exercised like a muscle. Neglect your social skills and you'll lose them; utilize your social skills and they'll grow stronger. If you employ these four tips, you'll be well on your way towards becoming your best self and understanding exactly what it takes to be an expert dater.