Let's Talk First Date (Page 6)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

Do you turn into a ball of nerves at the thought of planning for a first date? If you need help cutting through those nerves and nailing that first date, check out our advice for planning and navigating first dates with poise and grace.

Here, we teach readers how to make first impressions count so they can get to that second date. Our team, loaded with dating coaches and experts, knows a thing or two about first dates.

You can browse tips and strategies that take the guesswork out of first dates, with advice tailored to both the male and female perspectives. Dive into everything first date-related. Need conversation tips? Outfit choices? You got it.

No matter the type of date, we've got you covered. Our expert advice provides the scoop on how to prepare for first dates and understand all the nuances, like body language and expectations, along the way.

203 Results

What Our Experts Say:

151.
Is it OK to Take a New Date to a Spot You Went to with an Ex?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Every date should be unique and fresh if you want to make it special. You can’t avoid every night club or restaurant you ever went to with a previous girlfriend, but you do need to avoid sliding a new girl into the exact same slot your ex once filled. If everything is the same except the girl, then you might be reliving your former life and missing out on the special qualities of your new girlfriend. Make it a...

Read More »
152.
6 Topics to Avoid on a First Date
C. Price

C. Price

So you’ve got yet another first date lined up and you’ve done all your usual preparations: Got a new haircut, splurged on a sweet shirt from Men’s Wearhouse and prepared your go-to first date anecdotes. You know, the ones where you regale your date with stories about your political know-how, sexual experiences and religious beliefs all before your drinks have reached the table? Guys, I know first dates can become...

Read More »
153.
Dating and Drinking: How Much is Too Much?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Dating and drinking go together like, well, a horse and carriage. But how much is too much for a man to drink on the first date? Does it really affect her impression of you? What if she’s drinking right along with you? What if you can handle your alcohol? Good questions, all. There are few things that can settle your first date jitters like a nice glass of wine or other "social lubricant." But there is also very...

Read More »
154.
Easy Wardrobe Tips for Men
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

You know that old saying "Judge a man by the shoes he wears"? Well, why stop there? Guys, chances are when you’re out on a date with a lady, she’s judging a lot more than your shoes. And I don’t mean that in a shallow, materialistic way. But when you’ve just met someone and the conversation lulls here and there, it can be hard not to take notice of a man’s clothes and grooming habits. Compared to men, women...

Read More »
155.
Our Date Didn’t Have Sparks Like When We Met. How Do I Get it Back?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met a girl two months ago. She was great, lots of chemistry. We had our first date but it didn’t have anywhere near the spark like when we first met. When I saw her again, I completely fell for her and it completely ruined my confidence. How do I get that spark back without coming on too strong? -J.B. (Alaska) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Let me get this straight. When you met by chance and...

Read More »
156.
Bad First Date Ideas
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Guys, when it comes to planning a first date, heed my warning: You better get it right or you might cancel any hope of getting a second date. Planning a great first date can be a tricky proposition if you’re not a natural-born Casanova or generally romantic guy. In a sincere attempt to wow your girl with a good time, you may make the mistake of planning a bad date, one that is not conducive to a productive...

Read More »
157.
Getting Beyond the First Date
Adrienne Longhurst

Adrienne Longhurst

Getting a first date is a piece of cake in comparison to getting a second. The main goal of the first date is to get to know each other and see if there’s enough chemistry to bother with a second date. So what happens when you realize the guy sends your heart aflutter and you really, really want to see him again? Nothing, if you don’t play your cards right! Getting beyond the first date means blowing him away...

Read More »
158.
4 First Date Do’s and Don’ts for Senior Women
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Every 50-year love affair begins with a first date. This first official time of being "with" a new man often contorts your mind and emotions in ways that are very intimidating and nerve-racking, leaving a woman (and her date) feeling scared and vulnerable. Still, all good things must overcome the discomfort that comes with "square one." Take some time to think about your date before it happens, realize the man is...

Read More »
159.
Why Do I Never Get the Second Date?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

If you’ve recently been on more than one date that didn’t lead to a second date, something’s wrong. While there are a number of legitimate reasons a woman doesn’t follow up for a second date – reasons that have nothing to do with you  – it is usually an indication that you need a fresh approach. Usually a woman doesn’t give you a second date because she identified a red flag on the first one. Remember, when women...

Read More »
160.
What Gay Men Should Wear on a First Date
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Going on a first date with a man you really like can be pretty nerve-racking. Not only are you going to worry about those largely uncontrollable elements of your first date (whether you two will share good conversation, whether you’re compatible, whether things will go the way you want them to), you will also find yourself stressing out endlessly about all those little things you do have control of. And few of...

Read More »
161.
7 First Date Conversations for Senior Women
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Even two people with a lifetime of experiences can hit a road block when first date jitters cause them to draw a blank on topics for conversation. So, it’s a good idea to have a few ideas up your sleeve to keep the chatter going smoothly on that important first official date. Comparing irritable bowel symptoms with Jeannie next door may be a stimulating topic at home, but you don’t want to find yourself falling...

Read More »
162.
How Senior Women Can Stop First Date Anxiety
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

If you’re looking for love as a senior lady, chances are it’s your second time around playing the field. But unlike riding a bike, dating is something that needs to be relearned, especially today with online dating, email, texting and video chatting. Negotiating the dating world in the 21st century can create a lot of first date anxiety for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Let’s look at a fictional example...

Read More »
163.
What to Do When Meeting a Match In Person
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

Dating from the comfort of your couch, hidden behind a computer screen and mouse, is a lot less intimidating than putting on your best duds and meeting a woman out for dinner. Here are a few tips to plan for a date after only meeting and talking online — the next step in pursuing a potential relationship. 1. Wait a week or two. Once you’ve established a connection with a woman via an online dating site, it’s...

Read More »
164.
4 First Date Topics for Gay Men
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

You’ve met a great guy, you’ve communicated with him, things are going well, and you’re about to go on a first date with him! But once the good vibes wear off, you’re going to find yourself facing a daunting question: What the hell are you going to talk about on your date? Don’t worry, answering this question doesn’t need to be stressful or nerve-racking. There’s nothing written that first dates need to be...

Read More »
165.
5 First Date Ideas for Gay Men
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

Whether you’ve been out of the closet for six months or six years, planning a killer first date is a must. After all, you only have one chance to make a great first impression. No matter if this is a blind date or a first one-on-one meeting following an online relationship, here are five first date ideas to knock his socks off. 1. Picnic Depending on your local terrain, plan a romantic picnic with artisan cheeses,...

Read More »
166.
6 Ways to Prepare for a First Date
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Being nervous before a first date is to be expected. After all, there are countless of unknown factors that accompany a first date. What if he doesn’t like you? What if you don’t like him? What if you say something stupid? Each factor has the potential to create a lifelong memory you’d do anything to forget. Yes, facing the first date requires the courage of a warrior and the can-do spirit of a fierce and fabulous...

Read More »
167.
First Date Do’s and Don’ts for Lesbians
Lauren Hostert

Lauren Hostert

First dates are uncomfortable. Maybe she hates the restaurant. Maybe she hates your perfume. Maybe she just hates you. Once you’ve gotten passed your parents' occupations and favorite colors, it’s easy for anyone to have to fight the urge to flee. Being gay can sometimes make dating even trickier. Before you condemn yourself to a life of cats and quiet reading, take heed of a few tips that could help keep your...

Read More »
168.
3 Wardrobe Tips for Women
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Women notoriously obsess over what to wear on any given day and on any given occasion, and this feminine concern only intensifies under high-pressure events such as dates. While some women don’t obsess over their clothing choices, and some certainly fixate on their wardrobe selections just as much as the most stereotypical fashionista, it’s safe to say the average woman worries a lot more about how she dresses on...

Read More »
169.
How Can I Judge Someone’s Character on a Date?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Judging someone’s character is difficult and certainly not something you can accomplish after one or two dates. It can take a lifetime to truly get to know someone and understand what makes them tick. Even then, do we ever really know someone? Nevertheless, there are certain cues you can look for when you’re on a date to determine at least some important aspects of his personality. For instance, if your date is...

Read More »
170.
3 First Date Ideas for Senior Men
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

How many times have we reflected on missed opportunities and foolish mistakes we made during our dating years and thought, “If I only knew then what I know now.” The beauty of starting over again after all these years is that now you do know all the things you didn’t know when you were young, so this time around should be smooth sailing by comparison. Still, it’s not easy to dust off the old charm and bring the...

Read More »
171.
He Cancelled Our Plans. Does This Guy Not Want to See Me?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Reader Question: My best friend tried to set me up with one of her boyfriend's friends on a double date. However, it was cancelled due to my friend's boyfriend's schedule. So we rescheduled it for a couple days later, but then we tried to do something else that same day. However, when we had that plan, the guy said he couldn't because he was making dinner. So does this guy not want to see me? (He did say I was cute...

Read More »
172.
How to Deal With First-Date Nerves for Senior Men
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

It's funny that there are some things in life that never seem to leave us, one of which is that feeling of anxiety we all experience when we’re getting ready for a first date. After a long time of dating women and engaging in relationships with the fairer sex, a man should logically be able to take a girl out for coffee without stressing about the occasion’s outcome. However, the heart and gut are anything but...

Read More »
173.
First Date Ideas for Senior Women
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

American author and humorist, Mark Twain, once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” What Twain meant is that age is only a number and doesn’t determine how young or old you feel. Take dating for example. There’s no rule saying you shouldn’t date past a certain age. Look at Hugh Hefner. The octogenarian hasn’t slowed down his libido one bit, even going as far as dating...

Read More »
174.
How Do I Meet Someone In Person After Chatting Online?
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

So you’ve met this amazing guy. The two of you have been chatting online for over two weeks and he finally asks you out to dinner. As in, a man and a woman sitting across from a table together — in the flesh — and eating a meal. As in, not downing a pint of ice cream as you type sweet nothings from across town. Anyway, this awesome dude’s invited you out to dinner, you say yes and now you’re completely freaking...

Read More »
175.
8 First Date Do’s and Don’ts
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

We only get one chance at a first date, so be prepared and keep your eye on the prize the whole time. The first date may not determine if there will be a relationship, but it does determine if there will be a second date. This is the time to be a doting Prince Charming, so make sure you’re up to the task. These do’s and don’ts might help: 1. Do clean up. Show her you take this date seriously. Shower, shave,...

Read More »
176.
How to Kiss a Girl and Turn Her On
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

German author Emil Ludwig once said, “The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial one in any love story.” This pretty much sums up how I feel about kissing. A kiss is not an obligation — it’s not the customary way to end a date. A kiss should mean something. It should have feelings and emotion behind it. If you are looking for a gentle way of saying, “That date did nothing for me, but you seem like a...

Read More »
177.
First Date Tips for Shy Lesbians
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

No matter if you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, dating poses uncomfortable and unsure situations for all of us. But for a shy or timid lesbian looking for love, it can be a bit more difficult. After all, gay women have to consider more than just a wedding ring when it comes to meeting a potential partner. So whether you’ve been out of the closet for 10 years or just 10 months, here are some tips to boost your...

Read More »
178.
How to Have a Great Second Date
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

The second time’s the charm when it comes to dating.  First dates often begin with so much tension and worry that it’s hard to let your mind go and just have a good time. Then once the ice is finally broken, you’re both still so wound up that everything seems hilarious and you spend the rest of the night with huge smiles plastered on your mugs. The first touch or kiss from a new guy carries an amazing tingle, just...

Read More »
179.
How to Make a Girl Kiss You
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Guys, if you’re wondering how to get a girl to kiss you or you're waiting for her to make a move, you may be waiting a mighty long time. Most women, me included, have been instructed that a man is supposed to initiate the first kiss. When it comes to dating advice, I continue to instruct other women to wait for a man to kiss her, because it’s just the natural order of things as they pertain to dating and...

Read More »
180.
First Date Kissing: Tacky or Totally Acceptable?
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

Swedish Golden Screen siren Ingrid Bergman once said, “A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” There are members of American society who think a woman initiating a first date kiss means she’s “easy.” On the same token, a man who does the same is seen as “aggressive.” This slice of the American pie is stuck in the dark ages. It’s completely acceptable to kiss on...

Read More »
Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

Share the Knowledge!

Our dating experts work hard to show you the best dating sites. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!