How to Make a Good Impression on a First Date

Friday night is fast approaching, and you've FINALLY got an exciting first date to look forward to with the hottest single you've found on the Charlottetown dating sights (way to go!).

Many people struggle with a first date purely because they're keen to make a brilliant first impression.

However, the first thing to remember is that you've been there.

Meeting someone in Canada, perhaps through the Calgary dating sites, is now one of the most common ways to find a partner. The beauty is, you aren't starting from scratch since you've already had the opportunity to chat online.

That said, we never underestimate how stressful a first date can be - so let's run through our advice for making the best first impression possible, the initial time you meet face-to-face.

Plan Your First Date in Advance

Ok, the first thing you can do is plan.

It might sound boring, but trust us, if you know what's scheduled, have the correct change, and wear shoes, you can walk in; everything becomes so much easier.

Planning helps keep you calm through simple steps such as:

• Turning up on time - rather than being late and flustered!
• Knowing how you're getting home.
• Having everything you need, for example, an umbrella if you're meeting outdoors and it's scheduled to rain.

When you're in control, you aren't going to be put off by any unpleasant surprises and can put your energy into making the conversation one to remember.

Always Be Polite - to Everyone

Rudeness is a massive turn-off, even if it's not intentional.

It's all well and good being charming to your date, but if you're nasty to your waiter or demanding to the bar staff, it's going to leave a bad taste in those first date memories.

Be conscious of where you are, and don't get so absorbed in the date that you forget your manners - kindness always wins, so being thoughtful and respectful is well worth the time.

Be Generous With Compliments

Just as you might have been through sixteen outfits and re-checked your hair multiple times, your date is probably as nervous as you.

Complimenting someone is a great way to recognize his or her efforts and show your appreciation. Maybe:

• Telling them how nice their outfit is.
• Saying thank you for choosing such a great venue.

Even if you're not impressed with either of those things, compliments go a long way to make a person feel relaxed and show that you're not a self-absorbed person who won't notice the little things.

Recommended Read: Top Six Reasons For Turning Down Your First Date

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Bring Your Most Positive Personality

A first date on a rubbish day isn't ideal, but if you're hoping to make a great first impression with that gorgeous guy or girl you've met on dating sites calgary, it's essential to leave the negatives at the door.

You can, of course, explain if you've had a disastrous day and ended up a little late, but don't allow any dramas to leech the joy out of the date.

Smile, show you're happy to be there and shake it all off before you sit down to talk.

Wear Bright Colours With Confidence

Lots of people opt for their comfort zone on a first date - black, grey and monochrome clothes are easy and make you blend in with the background.

If you're into that, then it's perfectly fine to dress to your personality! However, if you love a splash of colour, it's a brilliant way to project confidence.

Even pale pinks, deep blues or cool accents can make you stand out and are seriously sexier than looking drab and a little bland.

Have a Few Icebreakers Up Your Sleeve

It's so much easier sitting on your mobile chatting on the Calgary dating sites, right!

Making conversation isn't a skill that comes easily to everyone, but if you have a few icebreakers or things to talk about if you're worried your chat is running cold, it can help make you both feel more at ease.

Here are some pointers:

• Never talk about your ex. Or past relationships. EVER!
• Go back to their profile and take note of their passions, interests and hobbies.
• Ask questions to show you're interested in learning more about them.
• Don't worry about saying you'd rather not chat about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable - but be prepared to redirect! For example, if a date does ask about an ex, a quick shrug and 'It just didn't work out' is fine - followed by, 'what I'm hoping for now is to find someone I can share my love of xxx with.'
• Blunt answers can feel rude, so if you have a few ideas of things to talk about, the redirect doesn't need to be awkward.

Perhaps if your date isn't local, you could ask about where they grew up, or which sports teams they support, or what their favourite food is to eat!

Turn Up On Time

The adage that it's fashionable to turn up late doesn't work with a first date. Instead, it can make a person feel that you're not that interested or were too busy doing other things to prioritize the date you've scheduled.

In the same way, being too early can feel awkward - much more to you than your date!

We say turn up at the time you've agreed, no earlier, no later. If you do end up a smidge early, take a short walk, so you've timed it perfectly.

Focus on Having Fun

It seems obvious, but you need to pay attention and make your date feel that you're interested in what they have to say.

Turn your phone off, or to silent, don't check your watch, and avoid spending the date moaning about the terrible day you've had in the office.

This time is yours to enjoy, so try to find a date activity you're both going to want to experience - that doesn't have to be a conventional dinner date if you'd like to mix it up!

First dates can be tricky, but if you put time and thought into wearing a great outfit and having the best mindset to bring positivity to the date, it's got a great chance of going well.