This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at App State chapter.
There’s something about going out on a first date that simply wrecks your nerves. What if I embarrass myself? What if he doesn’t like me? What if the date is terrible? Thoughts are running through your head so fast that you seem to forget the big picture, which is to have a good time with someone you are interested in! While the best first date advice out there is to just relax, you must remember that there are some major no-no’s when it comes to going out on a date with a guy. First impressions are everything and you never want to be that girl that he badmouths to his friends post-date. Before revealing my extensive list of date night no-nos, I want you to remember to go into your date feeling confident and fabulous. He has already asked you out, he is already interested, so relax and follow these guidelines below!
- Texting: This one should never come as a surprise. Texting is the most distracting, annoying, and perhaps disrespectful action that our generation is engaged in. How do you think your date feels if you keep your nose in your phone all night? I reassure you, the group texts with your girlfriends can wait—you have a date to enjoy!
- Tipsy: As great as those drink specials probably seem, you should always refrain from getting drunk and sloppy on the first date. Limit yourself to one to two drinks (if you are 21 of course!) and order yourself a glass of water along with it! By holding it together during your first date, you are showing your potential future beau that you can have a good time with him without getting sloshed.
- Tell-All: While it is important and encouraged to be open and talkative during your date, be careful of what you disclose to your date for the sake of him feeling uncomfortable. If you are having trouble with school, family, the law, or even another guy –don’t bring it up. Keep the conversation positive and lighthearted, you don’t want your guy to remember you as the negative girl of his night.
- Table Manners: This one goes without saying. Girls, place your napkin in your lap and don’t chew with your mouth open. Need I say more? If your date wanted to eat dinner with an ill-mannered person, he could have just stayed home and had dinner with his guy roommates! Along with table etiquette, it’s crucial that you listen attentively to what he has to say, don’t talk over him, and thank him for dinner. Great manners make for great impressions.
- Tempting Outfit: While there is nothing wrong with showing a little skin, clearly there is a fine line between dressing classy and dressing slutty. Choose an outfit that not only represents your own personal style, but also doesn’t scream “I have sex on the first date!” It’s true that guys love it when girls dress sassy and sexy, but taking it too far will put you at risk for making him feel uncomfortable, or even worse, getting the wrong idea about you and your intentions.
- Timely: Being ready and on time for your first date is crucial to setting a good tone right off the bat. By being on time, it shows that you respect his efforts for taking you out and that this date is as important to him as it is to you. There is really no other way to say it, don’t be late for the sake of seeming rude and negligent to what was obviously important enough for him to be on time for.
- Talking Gossip: As much as we like to think guys love to get inside of our heads and soak up all the drama—they don’t. Quite the opposite actually. A good thing to remember whilst on your date is to refrain from badmouthing other girls in front of him. Not only does it make you look insecure and petty, it also makes him uncomfortable—I mean come on, how is he supposed to respond after you bash your roommates and/or talk about how annoying this girl you know is? Leave the drama for your momma…or your diary—just don’t bring it up on your first date.
- Too Eager: If you follow these guidelines set before you, I’m sure you are bound to have an awesome first date, however, it is important to remember that being too eager and too future-minded can freak him out. Don’t ask him when he will see you next, or if he is going to text you after the night is over. By being too pushy and eager, you are likely to push him away. The best advice to follow at the end of the night is to tell him that you had a great time and that you’d like to do it again sometime. Leave it at that. If he enjoyed it as much as you did, he will be getting in touch with you in the very near future!