What Gestures You Should Have On A First Date!

A first date can be a very jittery experience for even the most seasoned of all singletons. However, there are a few basic gestures that are considered standard practice for a first date. These rules aren’t exactly set in stone but they help both parties involved to stay comfortable and enjoy the date without wondering if they are following the necessary do’s and don’ts or not.

Make the date well in advance

The rudest thing you can do on a first date is to ask someone out on the last possible minute. Give your date at least 2-3 days’ time to make the time in their own schedule and mentally prepare for the date. If you want to have the date over the weekend, you should ask for it no later than Thursday or midday Friday at the latest.

Dress to the nines

Even if causal is the only style of dressing you know, ensure that you are dressed to impress. You don’t have to buy a whole new ensemble for the date but wearing clean, well ironed and well maintained clothes and shoes makes a great impression for sure.

Arrive on time

Being late for a first date tells your date that you aren’t interested enough. If you are running late for a genuine reason, make sure that you call your date and inform them of the fact.

Bring flowers or wine

Whether you’re picking up your date from her home or meeting her at a venue, bringing flowers or wine adds a nice, classy touch to the evening. Don’t be tempted to spend too much on this gift or you might end up giving your date an inflated view of your financial position.

Choose a mutually liked venue

Generally, you should ask your date where they want to meet you for the first date. If they ask you to decide, pick a venue that you know would be suited to both of you.

Chivalry and good manners pay

Being chivalrous makes a great impression on a first date. You don’t have to go too far out but holding a door open, getting up when your date is leaving the seat, offering your hand when going up or down stairs etc. make your date feel special. Good table manners along generally accepted manners like saying “thank you” and “please” to your date and the waiting staff at restaurants etc. are also a must for making a good impression on a first date.

Don’t force a meal order on your date

The worst thing you can do on a first date is to force a meal order on your date. Even if you know that a particular dish is the best of its kinds on the planet, you should only make a recommendation towards it and allow your date to pick their meal themselves.

Don’t force “accidental” touches

No matter how permissive or “open” your date appears, you should try to keep your hands to yourself on a first date. Offering a hand up or down stairs may be a mark of chivalry but touching your date when the occasion doesn’t demand it could be very disastrous in the long run.

Don’t get too personal

First dates are all about banter and light hearted conversation. Asking your date too many personal questions could make them uncomfortable and for you too it could end up becoming a case of too much information. Stick to general information and even if your date is willingly sharing personal stuff, try not to pry too much.

Don’t expect a kiss goodnight

Most people think that the single biggest mark of a successful first date is a kiss goodnight when the date is officially ending. This can make the last few minutes of the date very, very uncomfortable and people end up reading way too much into the kiss anyways. Even if sparks have been flying all through the date, try to restrain yourselves and delay the first kiss till the end of a subsequent date. Not only will it help keep the spark alive, it will also help you gauge the success of the date much more objectively the morning after.

About The Author: Author of this blog is Allie, who is a writer as well as a blogger. Along with writing Allie also loves traveling and reading books, luxury retreats is a site in which she contributes.