Ahead of a big date, you might find that everyone from your best friend to your great grandmother is keen to offer you some dating advice, and with so many different opinions flying about it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t do. But don’t worry – we’ve collated the very best dating advice with our top dating do’s and don’ts.
Dating Do: Your homework
A key bit of dating advice here – preparation is an absolute must. Knowing even just a little bit about your date beforehand will give you all the conversation starters you’ll need to keep those awkward silences at bay. If you met through a dating site, make sure you take time to look back over their profile and the messages you exchanges so you can remember what encouraged you to get in touch with them in the first place.
Dating Don’t: Get distracted
When dating, pop your phone on silent and leave it in your handbag for the duration of your date; it’s important that you are in “date mode”. Hide distractions such as phones and tablets from yourself, switch off from the world and enjoy the company of someone new.
Dating Do: Choose a public place for your date
In the early stages of dating, you should always meet your date somewhere public such as a popular restaurant or a bustling bar. Never agree to be picked up at your home, and always make sure you have a way to get yourself to and from the date. An added bonus of meeting somewhere busy is if there’s a lull in conversation, being around other people provides the perfect backdrop without the need for awkward silences!
Dating Don’t: Discuss the ex
Your ex is your ex for a reason and dragging up the past will only make your new date wonder if you’re really ready to start dating again. Steer your conversation away from the negatives and keep your conversation upbeat and positive, it will make you seem more interesting and fun to be with.
Dating Do: Listen
While you may be keen to fill every silence with chatter, if you allow your date to take their time with their stories; you might learn a thing or two.
Listening and responding appropriately to comments made by your date will show that you have your own opinions and, perhaps more importantly, you are interested in what they have to say.
Dating Don’t: Stress about your dress
It’s all very well looking great, but it’s important that you feel as good as you look too. If you’re tugging your dress down or irritated by your shirt collar, you’re not going to be relaxed and 100 per cent focused on having fun on your date. Want our advice? Wear something you know you’ll be comfortable in and your confidence and personality will shine through.
Dating Do: Offer to split the bill
Offering to cover the costs or split the bill shows you’re considerate and generous and lets your date know you’ve had a good time.
If your date does pick up the tab, make sure you insist on footing the bill on the next date, or at least buying a post-date round of drinks.
Dating Don’t: Be afraid to end the date early
If you’re not having a good time or something doesn’t feel quite right, cut your losses and call it a night – there are plenty more singles out there who cannot wait to meet you!