Feeling nervous about your first date? You’re not alone.
Calm down with a relaxing bath
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Everyone knows the feeling of nervousness shortly before we go on our first date with a person we really like. Some start shaking, some can't stand still anymore. There are those who can't stop talking and those who calm down and don't speak at all. You are not alone in feeling that way. Here are five ways you can make your experience better, so you can enjoy the process of meeting new people.
1. Make it casual
You can take the sting out of the whole first date situation by making it as casual as possible. Meet for lunch, a coffee or a quick drink in the day or after work and avoid making the setting at all romantic.
2. Manage your expectations
Instead of making your objective a second date or a relationship before the first date has even happened, stick with something simple – having a good time on your date and seeing if there’s anything there. That way, even if nothing comes of it romantically, you’ll still be able to enjoy a good evening. It’s hard not to get carried away if you’ve been messaging someone and it’s been going well, but try to bring your thought back to the matter at hand whenever you catch yourself daydreaming. It’s best to think of the person as a potential new friend than a potential lover.
3. Dress comfortably
Dress comfortably, but in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. If you’re generally a casual person, set your date somewhere where you can just be yourself. Don’t force yourself to dress up and spend the whole evening feeling like you’re being judged.
4. Release the tension
If you can spare the time, watch or do something that makes you laugh before you go on your date. Laughter does wonders for releasing tension. Some people put on feel good music and dance around, exercise or do yoga.
5. Talk to a good friend
Friends can help you decide what to wear, confirm that you look OK and remind you of what a great person you are. You can also joke about your nervousness with them in order to diffuse it. You may feel silly for feeling nervous, but in reality everyone does before a date, so any good friend will understand and help you diffuse the situation.
