Sometimes, your date is over before it even begins. First impressions matter, in dating & in life. Giving someone the wrong impression about you at the start of your date can ruin your chances - even if you're both actually a perfect match! But here's the good news: you can control the first impression you present to your date & INCREASE your chances of a love connection. Here's how:
  1. Worth it:  showing up tired or disheveled will send a clear message that you're just not into them (even if you are ). Make an effort.
  2. Trust:  being true to your word helps build trust; constantly re-scheduling your date sends the opposite message. Make your plan, then make it happen.
  3. Respect:  showing up late to your date sends a subtle message that your time is worth more than theirs. Be on time.
  4. Life together:  your appearance matters, and says a lot about who and where you are in life.  Do your best to look your best.
  5. Smart:  holding someone's gaze while you're talking sends a message that you're smart. Stay focused on them, and they'll be focused on you.
  6. Confident:  nerves are a natural part of a first date, but smiling sends a message of confidence, the sexiest quality of all.
  7. Kind:  holding the door & saying thank you (to your date and the restaurant staff) sends a message that you're kind - and who doesn't want to spend time with someone kind?
  8. Interesting:  be prepared with some interesting conversation topics; ideally ones that you know your date will be interested in too. Boring someone into submission is a terrible strategy.
  9. Interested:  active listening is the key to a real connection and, ultimately, a successful date (and relationship). Listen at least as much as you talk on your date.
  10. Serious:  if you're date's going well, don't wait until the next day or even the end of the date to propose a 2nd date. You'll never have a better chance.
  11. Sincere:  tell a story that tells your date something about you - perhaps a recent travel story, or a concert/movie you saw recently and loved (and why). Hint: avoid negative topics or overly personal stories; at least on a first date.