The two of you have been texting each other for a while. Or you have been calling each other to say goodnight and ask each other, how your day was. All you are familiar with about the person on the other end of the phone is the voice and probably the name. Some share pictures to quickly familiarize themselves with each other. Some prefer to keep the face a mystery.
After much talking and knowing each other, you decide it is now time to meet. First-time dates can turn uncomfortable. You are always a very confident person, but all of a sudden, your stomach is filled with butterflies since you’re not sure of the proper way to greet this person that you are going to meet. Do not worry; this is a normal thing that most people encounter. That said, let’s have a look at six first date greetings that won’t make you cringe
The First Date Do and Don’ts
Before we list the six first date greetings, that won’t make you feel awkward. Let look at some of the things to do and not to do during your first date.
First Date Dos
Take Part in the Conversation
Make sure that you are part of the conversation. One-sided conversations can seem like an interrogation. Between the two, the one asking the most questions and telling the most stories will, in one way, be bored, and take it that you have no interest in him or her whatsoever. If such a thing happens during your first date, then be sure that there won’t be a second one.
Be Presentable
The best advice anyone can give when going for a first date is that you make sure that you are neat and presentable. During dates, the first impression matters a lot. You will know if you like a person by merely looking at them. Therefore, take time to freshen up and wash your clothes. You can even go the extra mile of buying new clothes for the occasion. If at all you do not have a proper outfit for the occasion, do not shy borrowing one from your friends.
Act Interested In Whatever Is Being Said
No insane person wants to go on a date with a zombie. While You are talking, and all your partner can afford to do is give you a nod in silence. If you are not interested in whatever is being said or feel the date is boring or it is not going as you intended, do what is right and end it. In case you are only distracted, then you can act interested by merely maintaining eye contact and asking questions.
Be Open to Ideas
When planning your first date, it won’t hurt to try new date ideas. There are other places you can go for your date other than going to a fancy restaurant. Be open to date at home, with some homemade meals. It will be more affordable than going to a restaurant. You can also go to the movies or swimming.
Do Call Your Friend For Advice A Motivation
As earlier said, the first dates can be very awkward, and it is not a surprise if you become nervous in such a situation, call your best friend and explain the situation. He or she will help regain your confidence by giving you a word of encouragement where necessary.
Dress for the Occasion
Apart from ensuring that you are presentable when going for your first date. Also, make sure that you are dressed for the occasion. You do not expect to wear heels or a suit when going for a night out or a hike. Imagine going for a hike in your favorite suit or heels.
Order What You Can Manage To Eat
While on a date, make sure that you order food that you can finish. It is somehow rude to order a ton of food and drinks, only to have them thrown in the trash, considering you are not the one paying the bill. If you are the one paying the bill, by all means, order whatever you want, but know that this is not a good first date impression.
First Date Don’ts
Do Not Talk About Your EX
It is never a good idea to talk about your Ex during your first. You can talk about that later when you are comfortable with each other. We understand that you’re EX left, and maybe it hurt, or perhaps you are still hung up. But guess what you are on a date with another person, and that means that you are more than willing to let it go. Therefore, make sure that you do not speak about him or her. Talking about your EX can be a major turnoff to your date.
Do Not Talk About Sex
Do not talk about sex on your first date. You might send an inappropriate impression. Talk about other stuff such as hobbies, likes, etc. however, there are some exceptions to this rule. If both of you are planning to have sex on your first date, or you are planning to have a completely sexual relationship with no strings attached, then go ahead and talk about sex. You can share your sexual history and prowess. Although it is not a good idea to blow your own trumpet.
Do Not Drink Too Much Wine on a Date
Yes, you can drink a glass or two of your favorite wine. More than that is not advisable because you are likely to expose a side of yourself that no sane human being can admire. When you drink too much, you are likely to talk trash, laugh sarcastically, make a seen, and even embarrass your date. Once your date sees your crazy side, the date ends there, and there is no possibility of there being a second one.
First Date Greetings That Won’t Make You Cringe
Meeting a person for the very first time can be very uncomfortable, especially when it comes to greeting each other. Some people are uncomfortable and feel awkward when they are greeted a certain way. Here are some six first date greetings that won’t make you cringe.
A Handshake
it is the most common greeting all around the globe. It is common among friends, relatives, and even strangers. Therefore, using a handshake to greet your date will not be awkward. This way, your date will start and hopefully end smoothly. If a date starts awkwardly, then the whole date is doomed to be uncomfortable. It is important to note that the handshake won’t make you cringe as long as you do it properly. The handshake should be firm, not too tight, and not too weak. Note that fist bumps and high fives may make you cringe.
A Hug
When a handshake seems too formal compared to the other first date greeting, that won’t make you feel weird is a hug. The hug should be friendly and not in any way intimate. It should be short and precise. Overdoing a hug will make you cringe. A good hug tells your date that you are glad they are here. Also, before going in for a hug, make sure that your date is close enough and is expecting the hug. Do not surprise him or her, or it will be weird.
A Kiss On The Cheek
A kiss on the cheek might work. But here chances are 50/50. If you are picking your date from home, and you are overwhelmed, then you can kiss her on the cheek. She won’t freak. If you are in a public place, then a kiss on the cheek will be too much. However, there are countries where it won’t be a problem.
A Smile And Eye Contact
it is the least weird greeting and the most appropriate for a first date. When you approach the table, simply maintain eye contact and smile. It tells your partner that you’re happy to listen and interested to hear whatever they have to say. You should not force a smile, it should come naturally.
A Nod
If you are nervous and don’t have the simplest idea on how to greet your date without make it weird, then go for the head nod. Simply raise your head gently while keeping a natural smile, and you will not cringe. If your date feels this is not enough, he or she can lean in for a handshake or a hug.
Greet By Word Of Mouth
It gets easier. If the above greetings don’t work for you, then you can simply greet your date by word of mouth. You can simply say, hey, how are you? It is nice to meet you. You can also add a name to show that you are comfortable and ready for a conversation. If you have never met the person before, calling out the name will help you confirm whether it is them or you will end up talking to the wrong person.
Conclusion
First impressions are significant when it comes to a date. You can like and dislike a person within the first three minutes, depending on the first impression they create. Greetings are huge first impressions. If anything goes wrong here, then the date may not go well. However, loosen up, some of these rules can be broken once in a while,