So you've found yourself once again playing the dating game.
First dates can be fun and exciting and they can also be train wrecks.
Hopefully they never become the latter, but let's be honest, it's happened to everyone at some point.
However, I'm not writing this to talk about bad first dates; I'm writing this to share some simple tips on your upcoming date to make it a great one!
1. I'll start off with something cliché, but still very important: Be yourself! Seriously. Dress how you normally dress, talk about what you know, don't try to be someone you're not! And the most important part of being yourself: be comfortable and confident with who you are. Nothing is sexier than that!
2. Be in the right state of mind. For example, don't meet up with your date right after work. If your mind is still in work mode, that might be all you end up talking about. This can and will easily bore your date. Always go to a date with a clear head, ready to focus on getting to know each other.
3. I can't stress this one enough: get off your phone! And stay off! Put your phone on silent, or shut it off. Don't check it at all on a date, especially on the first one. It may be a habit for you (and everyone else), but it makes your first impression come off as disinterested and even rude.
4. Act positive! When it comes to your conversation, avoid anything negative. Don't talk about past relationships (it's tempting, I know), and avoid topics that might spark a heated debate. Be upbeat, playful and fun.
5. If you had a good time on your date, say so! At the end of the night, it will rid the air of any insecurities. On the other hand, if you didn't have a good time and don't plan on calling them, don't lie about it!
6. When you're thinking of what to do for your first date, do something that will spark conversation, not hinder it. As much as we all love going to the movies, for a first date that doesn't offer enough chance to talk. The trick is finding something that can create conversation and at the same time offer a hint of pleasant distraction.
On that note, for all you Torontonians out there I've got a few ideas that might inspire you. This time of year you don't want to spend too much time outside in the wet and cold. So until we get back those warm, romantic evenings watching the sunset while lying on the beach, you might be in need of some inspiration for your upcoming first date.
Comedy Nights
Checking out some of the local comedians is a fun, laid back idea for a first date. Grab a drink or two and have some good laughs.
Try the Comedy Bar or check out The Second City.
NFB Booths/"Digital Viewing Stations"
The NFB Mediateque downtown has private booths with two seats each and a touch-screen where you can access hundreds of films. Head down there with your date and pick out a couple short films and classic cartoons! And as a bonus: it's free!
Listen to some Local Tunes
Music can be a great ice breaker. But you don't have to go to an expensive concert with a famous band playing. Try something smaller and slightly less crowded. Just about every night of the week these bars have live music: for blues and jazz, check out Reservoir Lounge, while Cameron House plays plenty of rock and house music.
Happy dating!
Kadie (Sex Matters Intern)
