If you’re getting dinner and you’re the one picking the restaurant, make sure to be considerate of your date’s food preferences. Be sure to ask your date if there are any foods they won’t eat, whether due to medical issues, religious beliefs, or personal tastes. For example, if your date is vegetarian, don’t take him or her to a steakhouse. Likewise, if your date has a gluten sensitivity, check the menu for wheat-free options before hitting up a pizza place. [1] X Research source
If you get lost on the way there or while heading back home, you can use your phone’s GPS for help. If either you or your date is running late or has to cancel because of a last-minute emergency, you’ll need your phone for communication. If you want to keep the night going and head to a cafe or bar after your planned destination, you can use your phone to help find the best place nearby. [3] X Research source
Have your purse or wallet ready ahead of time. In addition to money, pack gum, breath mints, tampons, pads, condoms, and/or a phone charger.
In addition to directions, make sure you have the right transportation to get you to your date on time. Unless your date is with a longtime significant other, don’t depend on the other person for transportation. If you’re driving during rush hour or using public transportation, make sure to give yourself extra time and leave early.
If you drink, you might enjoy a glass of wine before your date to help you relax your nerves, but don’t go overboard![6] X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & Matchmaker Expert Interview. 5 May 2020. Stay calm through breathing exercises. Take slow, deep breaths, hold them in for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Do a quick round of mindful meditation. Look down or close your eyes. Clear your mind of all other thoughts and simply pay attention to your bodily sensations at that moment. It might help you feel more confident on your date if you prepare a few things to talk about beforehand, or a couple of interesting questions you might ask your date if the conversation slows down. [7] X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & Matchmaker Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.
What you’ll wear will come down to your personal tastes and what type of date you’re going to. For example, if the date is at a classy restaurant, you might wear a suit or a nice dress. If you were going to the beach, you’d want to wear a swimsuit and a t-shirt or cover-up. Above all, make sure that whatever you are wearing is comfortable. While looking nice should also be a priority, comfort will go a long way to help you relax and feel confident. Set everything aside and make sure to keep it clean. If you don’t have pets, lay it out on your bed while you get ready. If you do have a cat or a dog who may take a nap on your clothes, hang them up in a specific place. Get dressed after showering. [8] X Research source
If you have a hair type that needs less frequent washing, you don’t necessarily have to wash it right before a date. Just make sure it looks and smells clean. If you’ll be going on the date after work, plan to meet later so you’ll have time to go home, shower, and get ready. First impressions are really important, and that will give you time to think about how you want to present yourself. [10] X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & Matchmaker Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.
If you have a beard, make sure it’s trimmed to perfection. If your date may get intimate, you might want to groom your pubic area. If you take pride in your perfectly-shaped eyebrows, give them a quick check and pluck out any stray hairs you may find. If you have nose and/or ear hair, be sure to pluck or trim those, too. [11] X Research source
Since a date is a type of special occasion, consider spicing up your look by styling your hair a little different than usual. For example, if you usually keep your long hair up, wear it down. If you usually wear it down, try styling it into a simple but elegant updo.
For a casual date, you may want to stick to more natural-looking makeup. For a fancy dinner, try bold makeup that incorporates both smoky eyes and red lips. Don’t forget that guys can wear makeup, too. Most men who wear makeup stick to the natural “no makeup” look.
Don’t bathe yourself in perfume, cologne, or body spray. Even a mild fragrance can be overpowering when used in large amounts. Instead, either lightly spritz it on or spray some in front of you and quickly walk through the mist. [13] X Research source Don’t forget to wear deodorant. Even if you’re not a fan of fragrances, deodorant is a must. You may be nervous and sweat more than usual on a date, so be sure to apply some right before you go out.
