Turn up on time

No one likes to be kept waiting and it gives a bad impression if you’re late for a date. So, be clear on the time to meet and keep to it. Give yourself enough time to get ready, and enough time to get there, including time for any unexpected events.

For example, if you’re catching a bus, try to aim for the one before the last one that will get you there on time. That way, if you miss it, you still have a chance of making it on time. If you do all of that and you’re still running late for whatever reason, make sure to communicate with your date and let them know; it shows that you respect their time, and it prevents them from thinking they’ve been stood up!

Pick a good location

The location of a date could make or break it, so when thinking of where to meet, be sure to pick a good location. Ideally it would be somewhere easy enough to get to, comfortable, safe and relaxing, whatever that might look like for the two of you.

If you’re going for somewhere outdoors, think about the weather; would it still be suitable if it rained, or if it was too hot? If you want to spend some time chatting and getting to know each other, you might want to avoid somewhere that is noisy or that has loud music – there’s nothing worse than trying to talk to someone and having to repeat yourself or shout to get yourself heard!
So, think carefully about the kind of date you want to have and make sure the location is suitable.

Make an effort to be interested / interesting

It’s important to show interest in the other person – compliment them, ask them questions and give them a chance to respond. Beware of interruptions or just talking about yourself. Of course, it’s important to share stuff about yourself as well, but a conversation should be between the two people, so make eye contact, nod, and smile, and respond, to show that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

Avoid looking at your phone or checking your messages – put your phone away if you must, so they have your undivided attention. And be interesting too, think about things you would like to talk about beforehand, such as hobbies you’re into, places you’ve visited and would like to visit in future.

Make an effort on your appearance

Dress appropriately. First impressions do count, and many people will make a decision (rightly or not) on whether to meet up again, based on your appearance. So, make sure your shirt or dress is ironed, beard shaved / trimmed and get a haircut. Pick an appropriate outfit that you’re comfortable in, and one that makes you look and feel nice is important.

It’s also important to dress for the occasion; jeans and trainers might be suitable for a casual meetup in the park, but not so much if you were going out for dinner at a high-end restaurant or doing something a bit more fancy.

Relax and (try to) be yourself

Everyone tries to be on their best behaviours when they’re dating, and it’s easy to put on a persona or try to be what you think the other person might like. But, it’s much easier to be yourself, and puts both you and your date at ease. So, relax and show them the real you; if they’re right for you, they’ll like you just the way you are!

Be respectful

Whilst it is important to be yourself, it is also important to treat your date with respect. Being respectful includes being mindful of the conversation, and avoiding topics that might cause your date to feel awkward or that might lead to arguments. Being respectful also includes respecting boundaries (both physical and emotional), not asking inappropriate questions and overall, just making sure that your date feels comfortable and is having a good time with you.

Take the pressure off and be in the moment

I know this is easier said than done, but try not to think of the date as a determinant of whether or not this is your life partner. Focus on enjoying each other’s company and getting to know each other.

This can be hard when you’re looking to settle down and get married, but the problem with going into a date thinking that this could be ‘the one’ is that you see everything through that lens, and it doesn’t always allow you to just get to know the person. So, of course you want the date to go well, and hopefully there’ll be many more, but don’t worry about that for now, just relax, entrust it to God, and know that everything will work out for your good.

Going on a date is a great way to get to know someone with a potential for a long-term relationship, but many people worry about messing things up, for example, by giving the wrong impression, or saying the wrong things. But if you plan ahead and go to a date prepared- both in your appearance and in your mindset – relaxed and not putting pressure on yourself, or your date, it should go well and hopefully be one of many!

What are your foolproof ways to make sure your date goes well?

Read more advice on having a great first date here