She said yes. Now what? As you prep for Friday night’s date, here are some tips and reminders to help make that first date a success.
10 first date tips just for men:
- Plan it. Have an answer for when and where the date will be. Try to pick a location that’s comfortable and conducive to conversation. While movie dates are popular, they’re not great for first dates as you’ll both be staring at a screen all night. If the idea of staring at her from across a table all night intimidates you, choose an interactive date. Even if you have nothing in common, you can at least laugh about your poor mini-golf skills together.
- Pay. Even if she offers, insist on paying for the date — especially if you initiated the date in the first place. As a couple, you’ll figure out how to split and cover bills later. But for now, pick up the check.
- Be confident. She already said yes. She wants to be there.
- Dress to impress. You don’t need to wear a suit and tie to the local pub, but it wouldn’t hurt to brush your teeth and put on a shirt that doesn’t look slept in.
- Be on time. And be gracious if she’s fashionably late. (She probably just doesn’t want to show up before you get there.)
- Be attentive. Ask great questions. Listen. Smile.
- Use compliments appropriately. She likely put some effort into her look for you, so offer her a compliment or two. Avoid a never-ending list of praise — it can get overwhelming — or comments that sound too sexual. “Beautiful” is better than “smokin’.”
- Prove that chivalry is not dead. Sure, she’s an independent woman. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t open the door for her.
- Say goodnight. Don’t let the evening end with a fizzle. Be intentional about saying goodbye, and initiate one of the following: a handshake, hug, or kiss. Don’t leave her standing there awkwardly at the end of the night.
- Follow up. Ignore those three-day rules. If you had a great time, let her know the next day.
