First dates can be both exciting and stressful experiences for singles.
If you don’t go out often, it can be difficult to know proper etiquette and look like the best version of yourself, especially if you’re a nervous person.
To combat those first date anxieties, Tinder global relationship expert and Married at First Sight love guru Paul C. Brunson has shared his tips on how to prepare for that all-important moment when you meet someone for the first time. time.
From the activity you choose to do to staying safe, there are a number of things you should keep in mind when it comes to meeting someone in real life who you crossed paths with on a dating app, including the biggest faux pas you should avoid. .
Read on for five of the legendary matchmaking guru’s top tips that will prepare you to take on the daunting task of entering the dating scene.
Tinder global relationship expert and Married at First Sight love guru Paul C. Brunson has shared his tips for preparing for that all-important moment when you meet someone for the first time.
1. Explore new experiences
Paul reminds singles that dating doesn’t have to be limited to “traditional” dinners and drinks.
Such a formal setting can be awkward for some people, including the awkward ending where you decide who pays or whether to split the bill.
Instead, the dating expert advises: “Find something that works for both of you, like a common interest or a simple walk in the park with a coffee.”
You can always stop by for a night out for food and drinks on your second or third meeting.
2. Dating plans should not be individual information
The second tip applies to first-date safety: It’s important to make sure you’ve told someone you’re going on a date, as well as who you’re going with and where.
Paul suggests: ‘From deciding where to meet, what to do and what to wear, remember to share your dating plans.
‘It should be part of your ‘ready date checklist’. Thanks to Tinder’s ‘Share My Date’ feature, it’s even easier to share your dating plans right from the app with your friends and loved ones.’
The new feature, which will roll out in the coming months, means users can share their dating plans directly with friends and loved ones from the app.
With a simple link, users will be able to share date information, including location, date, time and a photo of their partner, directly from the app.
According to new research from the app, more than half of singles (51%) under 30 already tell their friends the details of their dates and, according to new survey data on the app, one in five users of Tinder (18%) share their dating plans with their mother.
With a simple link, users will be able to share date information, including location, date, time and a photo of their partner, directly from the app.
They can decide who they want to share their appointment with and create an unlimited number of appointments within the app up to 30 days in advance.
Date plans are also editable, so if plans change at the last minute, users can simply update the information in the app to keep their circle informed.
3. Be yourself
While the next point may seem obvious, Paul emphasizes that authenticity is what young singles value most.
If you’re nervous, it can be tempting to try to fake it to seem more interesting.
However, this is not a good idea as you probably won’t be able to keep up on your future dates with this person and it is always better to be yourself.
Paul warns: ‘Don’t try to be someone you’re not. In the era of ‘all or nothing’ dating, value-based qualities like respect and loyalty are highly valued.”
A big faux pas that’s easy to make is to constantly pick up the phone while you’re on a first date; you may not even realize you’re doing it (stock image)
4. Phone down, eyes up
In the age of TikTok and online dating, your phone can almost feel like an extension of yourself.
A big faux pas that’s easy to make is constantly picking up the phone while you’re on a first date; you may not even realize you’re doing it.
The dating expert insists: ‘Make sure you give your date your full attention. It’s second nature to pick up the phone, especially when you’re nervous, but this will disrupt the flow of your date.
‘Put your phone on silent, get it out of sight and have eyes only for your date. The important thing is that you are present.
Having your eyes glued to your phone could make your date think you’re not interested or even put you off.
5. It’s great to be kind
Finally, the Married at First Sight love guru emphasizes that it’s important to be kind, even if the date doesn’t go as you expected.
Paul advises: ‘Sometimes a real-life date can get stuck. Always remember to treat your date with respect and how you would like to be treated.
“Even if things don’t end up working out romantically, you might make a new friend and who knows where that could lead you.”
“But the most important thing is to trust your instinct: It’s okay to cancel a date if it just isn’t working for you.”
Commenting on the new Share My Date feature, Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley said: ‘Discussing plans with friends and family is a traditional dating ritual.
“Share My Date streamlines this basic information exchange so singles can skip straight to the exciting part, from figuring out what to wear to preparing conversation topics.”
The new feature will be rolled out in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand in the next months.