Going on a first date can feel like navigating a minefield for many guys. How do you make the right first impression? What should you wear and where should you go? How flirty is too flirty or not flirty enough? Rest easy because our expert tips for first dates for guys will help you win that crucial first date and set the stage for romance.
We have compiled key strategies based on extensive research and real-world experience to guide you in planning and pulling off an amazing first rendezvous she’ll never forget.
Read on for insider advice from the pros on how to go into that first date exuding confidence and charm. With our expert tips for first dates for guys, you’ll be equipped to knock her socks off and make her eagerly await the next encounter.
Expert Tips for First Dates for Guys
Choose the Right Location For Date
Your choice of location sets the tone for the date, so select a spot that creates a comfortable atmosphere conducive to conversation. A crowded bar with loud music is not the best option for getting to know someone new. Instead, consider a quiet coffee shop, laid-back restaurant, or fun activity like mini golf, an art museum, or a farmer’s market. The location should allow you to talk but also provide breaks from conversation.
Some good first-date spots include:
- Coffee shop or casual cafe with outdoor seating if the weather is nice
- Restaurants with moderate noise levels and semi-private booths or tables
- Bowling alley, mini golf course, or arcade
- Museum, art gallery, or photography exhibit
- Local park, hiking trail, or botanical garden
- Farmer’s market or craft fair
Aim for a location you enjoy that aligns with your interests and personality. Don’t feel like you need to do anything too elaborate or fancy—just choose a spot where you’ll feel at ease.
Dress Appropriately For Your First Date
Your clothing for a first date should match the location and activity. You want to be comfortable while putting your best foot forward. For a casual coffee date, nice jeans, a button-down shirt or sweater, and clean shoes are perfectly appropriate. For a dinner date, opt for slacks or dark jeans with a blazer or dressier shirt. Avoid anything too formal like a suit or too sloppy like ripped jeans and a graphic t-shirt.
Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and well-fitting. Pay attention to details like fresh breath, neat hair, and trimmed nails. You don’t need to dress to impress, but showing up well-groomed demonstrates that you put in some effort and care about making a good first impression.
Be Punctual
Try to arrive a little early for the date—around 5-10 minutes. This shows you respect her time and are eager about the date. Avoid being late, as that immediately puts things off on the wrong foot. If an unavoidable situation arises, be sure to text or call to let her know and give an estimated arrival time.
You want her first impression when you meet to be that you are reliable and considerate. Arriving early or on time conveys those positive qualities.
Bring Good Energy
Nervousness before a first date is completely normal. Focus on projecting self-assurance and positive vibes when you meet up. Smile, make eye contact, and give a simple greeting like “Hey! It’s great to finally meet you.” This shows you are friendly and confident even if you may feel shy or anxious on the inside.
During the date, listen attentively, ask questions to draw her out, and share things about yourself. Compliment her in a sincere, non-creepy way if you notice something you particularly like about her dress, hair, or a trait like her laugh. Avoid negativity or dwelling on past relationships. The goal is to radiate good energy so you both walk away feeling uplifted.
Limit Phone Use
In our list of tips for first dates for guys, this advice you need to follow at any cost. Phone addiction is a huge annoyance on dates. Make sure your phone is silenced before the date begins and placed away in your pocket or bag. Checking your phone frequently sends the signal you are bored and have better things to do.
It’s fine to quickly check your phone if it rings in case it is an emergency. But keep phone use to an absolute minimum. Stay focused on the conversation and the person in front of you. This simple gesture shows her she has your full attention.
Listen More Than You Talk
Some people are naturally more talkative, while others are a bit shyer and more reserved, especially in new situations. Make an effort to draw out your date by asking questions and showing interest in learning more about her. Share about yourself too, but don’t monopolize the conversation.
Listening demonstrates caring and reflects well on you. People usually walk away from great conversations feeling bonded and uplifted, not drained or talked at. Stay aware of taking regular pauses so the dialogue flows back and forth. Listening sets the stage for good chemistry.
Avoid Awkward Silences
Minor silences and pauses are perfectly normal on a first date as you collect your thoughts or transition between topics. But long, awkward silences can heighten nerves. If you sense one developing, be ready with some follow-up questions or observations to restart the flow.
Having a few stories or talking points in mind can help keep the conversation from stalling out. Transition smoothly to a new topic by asking a light question like, “Have you checked out the new taco place in town? I’ve been dying to try it. What kinds of foods do you like?” This demonstrates care and interest.
Stay Off Ex Topics
A first date is about getting to know someone new, so bringing up past relationships or romantic encounters is a big no-no. Even if your date asks, simply state you would rather focus on the present moment and getting to know them better. A first date is about possibilities, not past histories.
The only exception is if you are newly divorced or have children from a previous relationship, which understandably will need to be briefly explained. But don’t dwell on it or bad-mouth your ex. Keep things upbeat and positive.
Flirt A Little
A bit of light, tasteful flirting is nice on a first date. Compliment her in a sincere way. Maintain smiling eye contact. Laugh at her jokes. Avoid crossing into constant flattery or saying anything too sexually suggestive at this early stage though. Keep flirting classy to express initial attraction and interest.
Body language can help convey interest too. Lean in a bit when she is talking and angle your body toward her. Mirror her gestures unobtrusively. Light, occasional touch on her hand, arm, or back is fine. Just read her signals to ensure she is comfortable with physical contact. Flirting opens the door to see if chemistry exists.
Mind the Alcohol
Having a drink or two on a first date is fine if alcohol is served where you go. But avoid drinking excessively. Heavy drinking impairs your judgment, loosens inhibitions, and can lead to bad choices. It also sends the wrong signal about using alcohol to deal with nerves. And being severely intoxicated is sloppy.
Have a drink or two tops, sip slowly, and gauge her comfort level with alcohol. If she abstains, follow her lead and switch to water or sodas. Staying reasonably sober preserves clarity and lets your genuine personality shine through.
Offer to Pay
For a first date, the general etiquette is the person who initiated the date should be prepared to cover the expenses. As a guy asking a girl out, expect to pay for the first date unless she insists on chipping in. You want to come across as considerate, not cheap.
Paying shows you are happy to treat her to a nice time with no strings attached. If you continue dating, you can take turns covering future dates or splitting costs. Don’t turn who pays into a power struggle. Smoothly handle the bill with grace.
Do Not Expect Physical Intimacy
A first date is about making introductions and building rapport. Do not expect or request physical intimacy of any kind–no hand-holding, cuddling, kissing, or anything further. Even if sparks seem to fly, take it slow. Let her set the pace for physical closeness as comfort develops down the road.
Rushing things physically will most likely backfire. Prioritize getting to know her mind and personality before her body. Your focus is laying the groundwork for a potential relationship, not hooking up. Patience and respect are key.
Schedule a Second Date If Interested
If you have a good time, tell her you enjoyed the date and would love to see her again. You can mention a second date idea too like dinner at that new Italian place or tickets to an upcoming concert. This conveys definite interest in her beyond the initial meetup.
Don’t play games by waiting a certain number of days to connect. If the date goes well, reach out the next day. Say you had fun and are looking forward to seeing where things go. If she seems interested in pursuing things further, set up the next date within the next week or so while your first one remains fresh.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive tips for first dates for guys like you have covered all the key strategies you need to shine on that crucial first date. Use our tips to choose the venue, dress code, conversational etiquette, and more. Flirt carefully, offer to pay, and don’t rush physical contact. If things go well, secure a second date before you part ways.
Now you’re armed with expert Tips for First Dates for Guys to help you ace that initial rendezvous with finesse. Follow these tips, and you’ll pave the way for an exciting budding romance. She’ll be counting the moments until your next date. To implement our pro tips for first dates for guys to wow her on date number one!
