Use realistic photos if you date online. Of course, it can be difficult to show ourselves in our true light, especially if we are in any way complexed by our appearance. However, if the photo you present is not completely representative, your date may be caught off-guard when you first meet someone, leaving room for discomfort. Of course, it’s smart to use attractive photos, but if you decide to meet someone in person, they will end up seeing your true appearance anyway, so you might as well be honest from the start.
Reframe your idea of celibacy. “Then why are you single?” It’s too easy to work on the perfect answer to that question when, in reality, being single isn’t a terrible illness that needs explanation. It is everyone’s default status, after all, so there’s no need to ask the question on your date. Both of you should take it for granted that the other’s celibacy is based on valid reasons, and if need be, you’ll talk about it later when you get to know each other better.
Know that it only takes one. Sometimes the idea of going through another first date and meeting a new person becomes tiresome and unpleasant. In those moments, remember this crucial fact: all you are looking for is a person who will be right for you and that can happen at any time.
Perhaps reconsider your idea of “the right person. Knowing that it only takes one doesn’t automatically mean that there is only one. All the people you meet will be different and may offer you different futures. One day you’ll find the right person, the one that suits you best, but you’ll have met many others along the way. There are so many people in the world that there is certainly more than one person who can make you happy. Always remember this and you may avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and draining your energy in the wrong place.
Think before you accept a meal. Going for a drink or a coffee is often a safer bet. If you agree to eat one-on-one, you’ll need to make sure you have enough conversation to last a good hour and a half. A lack of conversation can quickly lead to awkward silences and you don’t want that.
Show yourself as you are. The worst thing you can do is to act like you want what your date wants. You’ll gain a lot more from staying authentic because your date can really get to know you as you are. Anyway, if things work out between you two, you won’t be able to act like this for the rest of your life!
Ask the simplest question in the world. When you get to the date, start the conversation right away by asking the simplest question in the world on your date, such as “Hey, how are you doing?” or “How was your weekend? You will immediately establish a sense of familiarity that should make the other person feel more comfortable.
