First impressions are everything. Whether you’re in a business meeting, at a party or on a date; seismic bonds are rarely built on poor first impressions.
When it comes to dating, due to there being over seven billion people living on this planet, the onus is on you to make an immediate positive impact, in order to convince your date that you’re worth their time (and likewise of course).
There are many controllable factors that can help you:
A strong outfit choice suggests you know your way around a wardrobe without your mother having to dress you.
Shoe selection is key, as you'll be judged on them almost immediately.
Being charming, funny and polite
Not telling them you love them
Listening to what they are actually saying
Punctuality
Knowing your surroundings
For the purpose of this piece, I want to focus on the bottom three, as for me they’re all key components for the dreaded dinner date, especially if you’re in the early stages of the relationship.
So how does one nullify the chances of failure by keeping those factors in mind..?
Firstly, Always keep it simple and give your date the attention they deserve.
So many people seem to opt for an unknown culinary experience, going somewhere neither party has been previously. In my eyes, that’s leaving the whole evening to chance. Although romantic, it’s a bit of a risk.
My advice to you is Always go to a restaurant that’s tried and tested and will provide a great balance of quality food, attentive staff and an ambiance designed for conversation. Quirks such as knowing the staff on a personal basis can certainly help, as it shows you have taken your date to an environment you’re comfortable in and also that you're the type of person who takes the time to get to know the staff.
What’s more, you’ll know the restaurant location, so you can arrive punctually, allowing yourself a drink to ease your nerves the before your date arrives - because you will be nervous.
Never arrive late, it’s the height of bad manners.
Back to the staff; although you may be on friendly terms with them, Never indulge in in-depth conversations to the extent where you ostracise your date from the evening; Always introduce them and allow them to spark up their own relationship with the waiter/waitress - you never know, that initial bond may make it your special place.
So to summarise…
Always:
Be punctual and arrive at least ten minutes early - allow yourself a nerve settler. For future reference, mine's a Negroni
Go somewhere familiar, so you can maintain a calm exterior, knowing where all available bathrooms (and exits) are.
Having a relationship with the staff can help with your confidence as speaking to them can 1) enable yourself to get rid of any pre-date nervy ramble and 2) give you an ego boost by showcasing 'contacts' in front of your date. Just don’t try and show off to either party.
If the food and wine is tried and tested, there’s plenty on the menu for you to recommend with confidence and that’s always an impressive trait.
Never:
Arrive late.
Order for your date, unless given permission.
Get absolutely smashed, unless it's pre-discussed.
Leave halfway through.
Eat with your mouth open.
Order Spaghetti / Tagliatelle.
Tuck your napkin into your shirt.
Header Image: Photo by Lon Christensen on Unsplash
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