Meeting your date offline makes you nervous, but you aren't alone. The person you are meeting is probably just as anxious as you are. If you can, relax. You can minimize your dating anxiety just by following some simple tips and ensure that the first meeting is as enjoyable as possible for both of you.
Have a phone conversation before meeting in person
Talking on the phone before meeting in person is actually a very good idea. Having a phone conversation before meeting someone can be either a great ice breaker or an effective time saver. If you have a good phone conversation, you will get to know more about the person before you meet them . Otherwise, when you finally meet face to face, it will take a lot of the awkwardness out of your first date. So before you date someone offline, have a short phone conversation, it will save you lots of time and aggravation of going out on a boring or otherwise bad date.
Have a proper plan and make a thoughtful date
First, have a proper plan and reach the meetup place on time. This will leave a good impression on them and also give you a chance to get to know your date in person. In addition to this, be yourself and stay off your phone, and don’t steer the conversation to yourself and your interests; be sure to ask your date about themselves as well. It is also a good idea to be prepared before you meet someone.
Don’t over dress
Don’t make the mistake of letting your expectations influence the way you dress. Do not get too dressed up with the expectation that you can make a better connection or increase your chances. Also, don’t under dress to appear nonchalant. Even if you have had disappointing results in the past, your date deserves a little effort and respect. Rather than making it an issue, wear something nice that is appropriate for the occasion.
Keep your expectations minimum
We all know that somebody who is absolutely lovely online, but completely unbearable in person. They might act different when you meet them in person - it means that they may be a little less talkative or a little more outgoing. So when you’re meeting your date offline for the first time, don’t go in with an expectation that things will go horribly and that you’ll be disappointed. Keep in mind that, there are no guarantees you will fall in love, either. Look at the date as the opportunity to meet somebody that you’re compatible with, nothing more and nothing less.
Ask questions to get the conversation going on your first date
Ideally, you want the conversation to flow naturally and effortlessly on your first date. With that said, the beginning of meeting someone can always feel somewhat stiff and awkward. Having some questions to ask your date can always help. Keep it casual. Ask about their family, hobbies, or home. Ask about their job or their pet. You can always reference discussion points you talked about online. When in doubt, practice the art of listening if you feel unsure about what to say next.
Read more: 10 safe questions to ask on a first date.
Tell your friend where you’re going to be
When you’re meeting someone for the first time, let your bestie know where you’re going and with whom. Check in with them after the date has started to let them know it’s all going well. Essentially, when it comes to safety, you need to take all the precautions you usually would when meeting a stranger. And finally, don’t forget to have fun.
Final things to know when meeting someone offline for the first time
Meeting someone offline for the first time can make you feel nervous. Well, worry not! The following tips help you have a successful first date.
- Be yourself and stay open minded
- Prepare for the conversation while meeting someone offline. (Stay away from talking about having children or previous relationships).
- Know what you want and what you do not want and make those things clear before meeting your date offline.
- Do something that make you feel comfortable and confident.
- Talk together and decide which one of you should pay the bill on the first date.
Keep these tips in mind and avoid many of the innocent pitfalls that so many find themselves in on a first date. Remember, communicate enough, but not too much. Do your research before, during, and after your date. Be flexible and willing to shift plans in the moment if needed.