A lot of people don’t think about this, but it takes only three seconds to evaluate someone that you are meeting for the first time. During those three seconds, the person you are meeting will form an opinion of you based on your body language, your mannerisms, appearance as well as how you are dressed. Because first impressions are impossible to undo, they will set the tone for the relationship that follows after meeting that person which is why you need to ensure that you leave the best first impression that you can, and here is how:
Use A Good Amount Small Talk
No one wants to sit in awkward silence on a first date. That is why you should prepare some backup questions that you can use if it gets awkward to break the silence. When you are on the first date make sure that you are getting to know each other. Ask standard questions but don’t shower them and make them feel like you’re interrogating them. Keep the conversation flowing.
Be Positive
When it comes to first impressions, something that people don’t think about is their attitude. But if you are approaching your date and you have an annoyed face. That is why you need to make sure that you are projecting a positive attitude. Make sure that you show them that you are approachable by being smiley and nice.
Be Polite and Attentive
There is nothing more important than having good manners and being polite and attentive when you are making a first impression. But because you have only one shot when you are making a first impression you should always do your best to be polite and attentive even when you are not on a date. You never know when you will meet your soulmate.
Appear Interested
Even if you are bored out of your mind, you should always do your best to appear interested and listen to what the other person has to say. Even if you aren’t going to date that person, you don’t know how much listening to what they have to say and just being kind and giving them attention will have at one point in life. Most importantly it is a polite way of behaving and respecting the other person. Be a good listener and ask pertinent questions when you are having a conversation. Make eye contact because it will show the other person that they have your attention.
Always Dress to Impress
Even though it might sound cheap, what you wear on your first date is really important because it’s all part of the first impression. Even though you shouldn’t dress super fancy and not be yourself, you should wear something nice so you are polished. It is always better that you are put together and dressed nicely when it comes to your first dates. Make sure that you always put on a nice watch or a statement piece of jewellery. Another thing that you need to make sure of is that your jewellery is clean and that is why you should have your own first-grade ultrasonic cleaner to make everything easier.
Politeness Matters
Even though there are so many media outlets that will show how being arrogant and rude is attractive, a woman will fall for you instantly. That is not true. You don’t want the whole opinion about you to be formed based on something negative even if it ends up being good. Being polite will make you stand out in a positive way and it will be a better first impression. It will make the other person feel valued, respected as well as comfortable around you.
Be Yourself
Even though making a good impression means that you are fitting into some degree, you should never pretend to be someone you are not. You will not only lose yourself but you won’t let that person know the real authentic you. Doing so will not only make you more confident but it will create a relationship that is based on trust and respect.
Body Language
If your body language is standoffish, the other person simply won’t even try to get to know you or won’t even approach you in the first place. We have a mirror neuron that is responsible for recognizing faces and reading facial expressions. If someone smiles at you your reaction is to smile back at them. Mirroring reflexes are your body’s way of speaking and it plays an important role in making a good first impression. If you look mean and uninterested no one will want to be around you because you will radiate negative energy.
Arrive Early
When you are coming on the first date, always make sure that you arrive early. Being there on time to greet them will leave a great first impression as it will show them that you are reasonable and respectful of their time. If you arrive early, you will have time to fix up and make sure that you look fresh and gain composure if you are nervous.
Prepare Ahead of Time
When it comes to first dates, they are really stressful and if you are someone who struggles with anxiety it is not the easiest thing to have to do. So, preparing ahead of time will help you be less anxious when you get there and that will help you leave a better first impression as you will be less scared and uncomfortable. When you are preparing ahead you will appear more interesting and knowledgeable because you have prepared for anything.
In the end, even if you don’t leave the best first impression on someone because you had a bad day, don’t let that get in the way of trying to build a relationship with that person. By following these 10 tips to ensure that the first time you meet someone isn’t the last time you will see them. Do your best to smile and be a pleasant person to be around.
