Don't feel like a weirdo if this describes you. Plenty of people have the same problem, and it's only natural. So for those of us not gifted with a complete lack of social anxiety, we present First Date Tips: How to Make a Good First Impression.



Step One - It's Corny, but it's True: be Yourself

The easiest way to be yourself: Don't treat the date like it's a huge deal!

If you go into a first date thinking, "This might be my future husband/wife! Everything's riding on this!" then you are probably going to get incredibly nervous.

Remember the other corny old cliche. There's plenty of other fish in the sea.

The simplest way to take the pressure off and allow yourself to simply act naturally is to not even think of it as a date. It's simply meeting a new person. Neither side should be going in with any expectations. Just act as you would around anyone for the first time.

Step Two - Presentation and Politeness

Being yourself doesn't mean you don't have to show just a bit of class.

Dress nicely, but don't overdo it. Just throw on whatever you think you look good in, maybe iron your favorite shirt or have your good dress pressed, and call it a day. Don't bother spending several hours putting on makeup. Just put on your normal, daily makeup (if you hit it off, this is how your date is going to be seeing you on a regular basis, anyways, no point in false advertising). Guys, you don't need to wear a suit. It's a date, not a job interview.

As for manners on a date: Each date is different, but you may not want to jump into volatile subjects of discussion, such as politics and religion, right off the bat. There's time for that if you go on a second date. You may also want to save crass humor for later. We all have a crude joke or two up our sleeves, but most people consider it tacky to take things in that direction on a first date.

Step Three - Don't be Desperate to Impress

Either you'll hit it off with your date, or you won't. Making a good first impression can count for a lot, but sometimes, two people just aren't right for one another.

The trick is to present yourself well so as to see if you have something in common with your date, and to see if you'd like to continue seeing this person. A date isn't something you win or lose at, so there's no need to try to give a false impression. Don't feign interest and don't lie. Just be yourself, hope that your date is doing the same, and see if you hit it off.

And if you don't, there's plenty of other- well, you know.