Dating can be intimidating. Is he enjoying himself or just being polite? Will she create a fake emergency in order to escape? A first date is a minefield; it's natural for both of you to be nervous.
The tricky part is ascertaining whether the other person truly enjoys your company. Even when someone is bored, he or she will keep it to themselves. The body, however, never lies. Look for some crucial signs, like steady eye contact, that indicate engagement and enjoyment.
If you're still reading, you probably need help for an upcoming date. Fear not. We are here to help. Use the following guidelines to determine whether not your date is interested.
Time is not a factor. Did your date last longer than you expected it to? The best scenario is laughing and talking and having a great time. If your date spends the date checking his watch, he is bored stiff.
It starts on a high note. Do you feel a rush when you exchange the hellos? It's a great sign when someone appears truly excited to meet you. The initial moments of a date determine how the rest of the relationship is going to be. Strange, eh? First impressions do mean everything.
You copy each other. You reach for your glass and notice that she does as well. Then, she takes a bite of food, and you involuntarily raise a fork to your mouth. Coincidence? Body language specialists call this the mirroring effect, and the behavior establishes rapport between the two of you. Mirroring can also extend into similar speech patterns or phrasing. (Mentalists Keith Barry and Derren Brown utilize this technique to appear like they are reading minds.)
You are on the same page. You have a lot in common with your date. Similar tastes and passions are a good indicator of how well you'll get along - anything from preferred toothpaste to favorite cuisine to fashion trends you both hate. Not only does it create common ground, it means opening up to each other about personal likes and dislikes.
You converse deeply. Dates consisting of small talk, like the weather and your dining experience, mean a shallow connection. Did you discuss life goals and major fears? Congrats! You knocked it out of the park. Addressing serious topics, like what you want in the future, spark the chances of a second date.
Show that you remember. Pay attention. If your date initiates a topic discussed earlier in the evening, he or she is interested. On the other hand, be concerned if you bring up a previous conversation and are met with a look of unfamiliarity.
Keep an eye out for little signs. This can be confusing. For example, people who touch their ears while talking would rather be elsewhere, but rubbing an ear shows attraction. Covering your mouth or scratching your neck means you doubt the other person. What's the most important sign to look out for? A smile; smiles go a long way.
We recommend you don't spend so much time analyzing that you forget to be in the moment... have fun, first and foremost. If you find that any of the tips above apply, congratulations and good luck on that second date!