How To Actually Enjoy Your First Date (No Awkwardness Needed)

Published on November 6th, 2024

Do you want to know how to enjoy your first date without the awkwardness so you can feel relaxed, confident, and truly connect?

So, here’s the thing. First dates? Yeah, they can be awkward.

You’re essentially going out with a stranger (or someone you barely know), hoping for chemistry, connection, or at the very least, someone who doesn’t talk exclusively about their stamp collection.

But what if I told you first dates could actually be…fun? Seriously.

If you’re someone who feels the dread creeping in as the date approaches, you’re not alone.

But you can swap that dread for excitement with a few simple mindset shifts, some confidence-boosters, and a sprinkle of low-pressure date ideas.

So, here’s how to enjoy the ride, laugh off the awkwardness, and actually make the most of that first date. Ready?

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Step 1: Shift Your Mindset – It’s Just A Date, Not An Audition

Let’s start with a little reality check: It’s just a date, not a lifelong commitment. So, take the pressure off! You’re not meeting your future spouse (probably) or signing up for any “’til death do us part” clauses.

Think of it as a fun opportunity to get to know someone new – and hey, if it leads to a second date, great! If not, you’ve got a story to tell.

💡 Pro Tip: When you feel those nerves creeping in, remind yourself: “This is just one date. Worst case? I don’t see this person again.” Free yourself from the fantasy of the “perfect date” and just focus on having a good time.

Step 2: Lose The Small Talk (Unless You’re Really Into The Weather)

You know what makes first dates awkward? Conversations that go absolutely nowhere.

The weather, the neighborhood, your daily commute…no one is jazzed about these topics. So, ditch the small talk and dive into something real.

Start with things you’re genuinely interested in. Love photography? Hooked on romantic movies? Can’t stop raving about romantic fiction? Perfect.

Share something that lights you up, and you might just light up your date, too.

💡 Pro Tip: People are most attractive when they’re excited about something. So, instead of talking about what you think they want to hear, talk about what you love. Passion is contagious, and it’s way more interesting than hearing about last weekend’s grocery run.

Step 3: Pick An Activity Date – Because Staring At Each Other Over Coffee Gets Old Fast

Look, sitting across from someone at a coffee shop or bar for an hour is nice, but sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a never-ending game of 20 Questions.

Enter: the activity date. By choosing something interactive, you can let the experience take some of the focus – and the pressure – off.

Imagine this: You’re both trying pottery for the first time, or getting your hands dirty in a cooking class.

These shared experiences make for easy conversation and naturally bring out your personalities. Plus, there’s less pressure to keep talking nonstop. Win-win.

Activity Ideas:

Take a Walk: Go to a scenic spot or a bustling neighborhood. Walking side-by-side creates a more relaxed vibe.
Trivia Night or Concert: Have some fun, cheer each other on, and enjoy the vibe around you.
Bookstore Browsing: Head to a bookstore with a cafe. Browse the shelves, talk about your favorite reads, and see what catches your date’s interest.

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Step 4: Ditch The Liquid Courage – Call A Friend Instead

Ah, the old “pre-date drink.” It sounds like a good idea until you’re three drinks in and halfway to becoming an accidental oversharer.

A better idea? Call someone who always hypes you up. Maybe it’s your best friend, your sibling, or that one cousin who thinks you’re a total catch.

Not only will they pump you up, but you’ll also walk into that date feeling more like your awesome self. Plus, you won’t have to worry about ordering soda water all night to stay steady.

💡 Pro Tip: Before the date, remind yourself you’re amazing, and you don’t need a drink to prove it. A little pep talk from someone who’s got your back will go further than any pre-date cocktail.

Step 5: Limit Texting Pre-Date – Save Some Stories For Later

It’s tempting to keep up a running text thread right up until the date, but trust me, leave a little mystery!

If you’ve already swapped every funny story and quirky fact over text, you’ll end up struggling for topics when you finally meet IRL.

Instead, try holding back a bit on the texting the day of the date. This way, you have some fresh material to share in person. After all, isn’t the point of a date to get to know each other?

💡 Pro Tip: Think of it as a storytelling bank. Save a few gems to keep things fresh when you’re face-to-face.

Step 6: Embrace The Awkward Moments – Laugh Them Off And Keep Going

Let’s be real – there will be awkward moments. It’s pretty much a given. Maybe you stumble over your words or accidentally go in for a hug when they’re offering a handshake. It happens. The trick? Laugh it off and move on.

There’s nothing more charming than someone who can laugh at themselves. Awkward silences, a fumbled goodbye – all of it is just part of the experience.

Don’t sweat it; it shows you’re human, and chances are, they’ll appreciate your lighthearted approach.

💡 Pro Tip: If an awkward moment pops up, just smile and roll with it. You’ll look confident and comfortable, even if you’re a little nervous on the inside.

Ready For Your First Date Adventure?

Here’s the thing: first dates don’t have to be all nerves and awkward silences. They can be a chance to share stories, make memories, and maybe even have a laugh or two.

So, when that next first date rolls around, give yourself permission to show up, let go, and actually have some fun.

Challenge for You, Gen Z: Next time you’re gearing up for a first date, try one of these tips. Embrace the awkward, share something you’re passionate about, and leave the pre-date jitters at home. And hey, don’t forget to tag your “first date win” stories on social if it turns out to be epic. You might just inspire someone else to swipe right on their next adventure!