10 Surefire Ways to Get Over First Date Nerves

Everyone looks forward to a first date, but the first few moments of meeting someone new are often nerve-wracking. The anticipation alone may keep you up at night. While nerves may keep you from performing your best, you can learn how to minimize their effects on your first date. When you go on your first date, you know it’s going to be different than any other date you’ve been on. You don’t know how it will go, but you still want to do your best. You want to make a great first impression, but how?

1. Plan, plan, plan – First things first: you have to actually schedule the date and make an effort to get there on time. The best way to avoid becoming your worst first date is to plan it out and have a backup plan if your first plan doesn’t work. This means making sure you have at least two ways of getting to the venue and having an alternative venue if there are any issues with the first.
2. Make comfortable with yourself – The first part of your first date is mental—and it’s not always easy. Your date could turn out to be a dud, or you could be nervous about meeting the person for the first time. It doesn’t matter how nervous you are, though. There’s an easy solution – be comfortable with yourself. Wear comfortable clothes, and don’t try to be something you’re not.
3. Do something you like – Finding a way to relax and calm your nerves before your first date is easier than you think. There are plenty of ways to do it, and the best way is to pick a thing that you enjoy and do it. Getting over first-date nerves doesn’t have to be difficult if you pick the right activities.
4. Changing your perspective – First dates are nerve-wracking, but don’t let any pre-date jitters stand in your way. The first date should be enjoyable because it can be the start of something great and lasting. Before your date, change your perspective and think of your date as a new friend. There is nothing to be nervous about when you look forward to getting to know someone better.
5. Set expectations – Do not set yourself up for failure by expecting someone, especially someone you have only just met, to be someone they are not. Set your expectations low, and you’ll more than likely be pleasantly surprised. If you set the bar too high, nobody will ever be able to meet your high standards, and you’ll always leave disappointed.
6. Talk to yourself – Are you nervous about your first date? It’s natural to feel anxious before a date, but a little self-talk can help you calm your nerves. Write your feelings down on your phone if it helps, or give yourself affirmations that boost your confidence.
7. Talk to your close friend – If your nerves are getting the better of you, message a close friend to distract yourself. Talk about how their day went or ask them for advice on what they do just before a first date. This is perfect for when you’re sat at the agreed venue waiting for your date to turn up, as this is often the most nerve-wracking time.
8. Focus on your date – It’s easy to get flustered on a first date and worry too much about your appearance, how good of a conversationalist you are, and even how you smell. When these worries get the better of you, they can start to show, so just focus on your date, and you won’t feel as nervous.
9. Be yourself – Part of the fun of being ready for a date is being able to relax and have fun. The best way to do that is by letting your personality shine through. So, go ahead and be the person that you know yourself to be.
10. Breathe – Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget to take deep breaths when you’re nervous, but deep breaths help relax you. If you’re prone to panic attacks when you’re nervous, count slowly and repeatedly to 10, and concentrate on the numbers rather than how much air is getting into your lungs.

Dating can be a lot of fun, but it also can be a lot of pressure. The first date should be exciting, but nerves can make it feel scary. But don’t let that stop you from meeting your date – use the tips above to relax, and just enjoy yourself!