Two Becomes One

The Day of the Date…

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Two Becomes One

You have two choices the day of your date.  You can either view your anticipation as nervousness and fear and drum up a host of what-if horrific scenarios or you can view your nerves as excitement and look forward to having a wonderful time.  The latter option is obviously the preferable one and being prepared ahead of time is the key ingredient to maintaining a level head.

I am sure you have heard the age-old adage that “looks don’t matter, it’s what’s on the inside that counts” thousands of times but don’t be fooled.  When it comes to first dates, looks definitely matter!  While your outside appearance is, overall, the least important aspect of who you are, it is the most important aspect of an initial impression.  Your date will initially evaluate you based on your appearance because that is obviously the first thing they see.

First impressions count so make sure your date will have a good one by taking the time to look your best.  Prepare what you’re wearing, how you smell, and your overall appearance before you leave the house so you don’t have to waste any time concentrating on it during your date.  There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to what you wear or your own personal sense of style but there are various factors that should be taken into consideration when preparing your wardrobe. 

First, comfort is crucial.  Select an outfit that you feel comfortable in and that fits you well.  Avoid showing too much skin and plan on perspiring so avoid clingy fabrics.  Wear something that you feel great in and an outfit that family or friends have commented on in the past.  Pay attention to detail.  Did you shine your shoes?  Did you tuck in your tag and check for hanging threads?  Do your socks match and does your belt match your shoes?  Dress your age and appropriately for the location of the date.

Next, good hygiene is absolutely essential.  All people use their five senses to evaluate a potential mate and your date is no exception.  Be absolutely sure that you shower, wash your hair, brush and floss, clip or file your nails, shave, apply deodorant and wear freshly laundered clothes. 

While you are preparing your outside for your date, you should also give equal attention to your inside and by this, we mean reducing stress.  Understand that stress is a natural reaction to an unknown scenario and a perfectly normal feeling.  Rather than let stress take over, control it by preparing yourself emotionally.  Have three questions ready that you can ask your date to get the conversation started.  Conversely, prepare three things about yourself that you want to share such as what line of work you are in, a current event or two, what you did that day, what movies you have seen lately, etc.  Avoid taboo topics such as sex, religion, politics, your exes and focus on light-hearted conversation such as friends or places you may have in common, popular culture, the location of the date, etc.  Lastly be considerate and make sure that you are either ready when they have agreed to pick you up or that you are to the date location on time.  Nobody likes to be kept waiting, especially on a first date, when nerves run high.

Check out Two Becomes One