wannameet's top tips for half hour dating
Make sure the location is easy to find If your chosen location requires a map to find it, think about choosing somewhere else. There is nothing more nerve racking than sitting waiting and wondering if the other person is going to show up.
Pre-book a table The first date is all about getting to know each other and this is made far easier if you are comfortably seated and relaxed.
Choose somewhere enjoyable Opt for a type of venue that you are comfortable with. There is no point meeting in a coffee shop if you hate the smell of coffee, for example. There are plenty of other venues like juice bars and wine bars that could be more suitable.
Avoid noisy places Its difficult to get your personality across when the music is so loud you have to keep repeating yourself to be heard. If you both enjoy clubs or other such noisy places, its best to save it for a further date.
Be Upbeat We are naturally more attractive when we are being positive. Don’t waste time sharing bad dating experiences or moaning about problems. Instead focus on the good or more humerous side of things happening in your life. After all, you want the other person to see you again because you are fun, not because they feel sorry for you.
Tell the truth There is little point in meeting up on a first date if you are just going to invent yourself as a completely different person. If you are telling lies, you need to be consistent and sooner or later you will get caught out…
Be kind As this is the first meeting, you may find that there is no future beyond this date. Luckily you have chosen to keep it brief so remember to continue to being your usual charming self throughout – what comes around, goes around.
Relax and be yourself It is you that the person has chosen to meet, so relax and enjoy it. Be yourself but remember to be your best self. Don’t try to be clever or to be someone who you are not. If you are not a great fan of opera or poetry, don’t claim you are.
Leave the past behind Don’t talk about painful childhood memories or previous divorces. There will be a time and a place for these conversations in the future. Equally its best not to continually praise your ex as the person you are chatting to may think you are not ready to move on.
Have cash ready to pay your share It saves embarrassment on anyone’s part and you don’t want to be known as a cheapskate.
Be upfront at the at the end of the date Don’t say you will call if you don’t intend to. If you did, however, enjoy yourself, say so. Both men and women will be glad of the reassurance.
first impressions count
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It takes only 3 seconds to be judged on your body language, mannerisms and grooming - how you are dressed, what accessories you are wearing or carrying and that is before you have even spoken. It is therefore really important that first impression is the best possible impression of you.
Look your best. This meeting could shape the rest of your life so you want to look good. Dress to your own style but also appropriately for where you are meeting and for the time of day.
Smile. You are there to enjoy yourself and are meeting someone who you have chosen to be with. A smile verifies that and will put the other person at ease.
Be on Time. It makes a terrible first impression if you are late. If possible get there 5 minutes early so you can be cool, calm and composed when they arrive.
Listen. Although you have many interesting and witty tales to tell, this meeting is about 2 people. Give the other person at least as much air time as you and listen attentively to what they are saying without showing impatience to speak again.
Mind Your Language. It goes without saying that you should not use offensive or disrespectful language during the date. Also, save jokes for a time when you know they will be appreciated.
Eye Contact. Look in to the other persons’ eyes when you are talking and listen to them intently and properly. Don’t look from side to side or at someone else
Be Prepared. Remember as many facts about the other person as you can and ask questions. Compare similar experiences and interests in your lives.
Keep Your Posture. Try not to slouch, good posture shows confidence and security in yourself. Keeping your body facing the other person shows you are interested in them, as does slightly leaning towards them.
Don’t Be Perfect. Nobody is and if you come across as this, the other person will either be very nervous or suspicious. Mention minor faults and vulnerabilities and laugh at yourself.
Close Well. Thank the person for meeting with you, let them know that you have had a lovely time (supposing you did) and if you would like to see them again. A firm handshake or a kiss on the cheek are both acceptable, depending on how the date has gone.