Psych Yourself Up for Your First Date
Whether you haven’t dated in a really long time or you just have a case of the first date jitters, it’s definitely time for you to calm down and relax! It’s just a date; it’s not a marriage interview, or even a job interview. Whatever happens, you know that you deserve happiness and that you love who you are, so the other person has to love you—and if he or she doesn’t, well, that’s his or her problem, not yours!
Don’t go into the date flippant and arrogant about such things, of course, but be sure to boost your confidence up before going out. A little nervousness can be cute, but if your palms are sweating buckets you might need to take a few deep breaths. Here are a few things you can do to psych yourself up before and during a first date.
- Take deep breaths. Don’t just take them now; take them whenever you get a chance. You can even do them discreetly during dinner or on the ride to your destination. This will help you calm down.
- Talk to yourself in the mirror. Say a few personal affirmations that you know make you feel better, and know that you are already both loved and loving. You don’t need to impress anyone; you just need to be yourself.
- Roll your neck and shoulders before your date. This is a good tactic to employ before anything nerve-wrecking, as it helps you relax and it makes you more comfortable. If you meditate or do yoga, you might want to try that, too.
- Dress comfortably but nicely. Don’t wear something you’ll constantly have to adjust, or something that’s tight around your neck. Shirts that show sweat are also out! Make sure that your clothing allows you to move and relax, not causing you even more worry.
- Stay in the moment. Don’t start planning your next date, or worrying about what you’ll do next; just focus on getting to know one another and seeing if you connect.
- Don’t force anything. If you don’t make a connection, no big deal; it’s just a date. You’re not negotiating a peace treaty.
- Sip water. This will give you something to do with your hands and keep your throat from getting too dry if you are nervous.
- If it doesn’t go well, just shrug it off and move on. It’s nothing personal, so don’t take it that way. Not everyone clicks. Just continue loving who you are and being open to new people.