Guys, here’s how to impress on your firs

Guys, Here’s How To Impress On Your First Date

Zachary See Sheng Yuan

3rd February 2022

Visual Editor

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ZACHARY SEE talks to relationship experts for tips on impressing your first date and asking for a second one.

A successful first date is achievable and not as daunting as it sounds if you’re well prepared. Photo: Zachary See.

First dates aren’t easy. You might feel pressure to put on a great first impression, or stress from the decision-making process on what to wear, or anxiety about the impending conversation with someone who was probably a stranger until now. You’re not alone in feeling this way, with 64 per cent of people finding first dates nerve-wracking.

So, what does it take to impress on your first date and how do you ask for a second one?

Well, not much. Some simple preparations beforehand are all you need to impress your first date and hopefully get a second one.

1. Prepare beforehand.

First, do some research. Mr Andrew Pang, 36, a dating coach at Fleek Image, an image coaching agency, recommends looking into where you’re going.

“Get to know the restaurant you are dining at, [for instance] where the toilet is, what specials they are serving and if it's better to make reservations,” he says.

It’s good practice to do this no matter where your date is, to prepare for a big crowd or bad weather.

2. Dress for the occasion.

Now you need to pick something to wear. A successful first date comes from a successful first impression.

This could be the moment she decides if she wants to pursue a romantic relationship with you or not. And the thing that stands out most is one’s appearance.

“All in all, whether there can be physical attraction is what we usually look for on a first date,” says Mr Fred Chin, 38, a psychologist with Promises Healthcare.

So if you’re looking to make a great first impression, wear something nice.

Mrs Cindy Leong, 36, a co-founder and chief dating coach at Divine Connect, a matchmaking agency, recommends wearing something eye-catching, but not too flashy.

Looks are often the first thing people look at, so dressing well is important when it comes to a first date. Photo: Zachary See.

“For a first date, we just got to be conservative a little bit, like don’t be really loud, it may make the other person really uncomfortable, but neither should you be too dull in your dressing that you don’t even stand out,” she says. “So for men, I would say [wear] a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, casual ones, and jeans and leather shoes.”

But she emphasises comfort above everything.

“Don’t wear something that really flaunts your assets but you’re not comfortable about [wearing] it, then that doesn’t make sense as well, because you want to be as comfortable as you can for a first date,” she says.

3. Talk about your interests and avoid being stiff.

What should you avoid during the meetup? According to Mr Chin, being socially inept.

“We hate awkward situations because we want to be seen as socially adequate people who will be accepted under any circumstance, and in an awkward situation, there is this unfamiliarity and possibility of not being accepted."

Mr Pang recommends preparing three to five conversation topics before the date. But what should you talk about?

Mrs Leong suggests avoiding controversial topics, like religion or politics as they could potentially cause division and tension.

Instead, focus on things that you enjoy. “You should talk more about leisure, what do you do for fun, what do you find is meaningful to do in life, what makes you tick, what gets you, what makes your heart beat,” she says.

However, if silence sets in, chill.

“It is perfectly fine if there are some moments of silence. It doesn’t make you less impressive. Just like being with your friends, you can’t expect to be talking every single second,” says Mr Chin.

4. Be straightforward with your intentions.

If you’re looking to ask your date for a second meetup, ”nothing beats being direct,” says Mrs Leong.

“Just say that, ‘Actually I find that we’re having such a good time, and I’d really love to spend more time with you,’” she says.

But at the end of the date, no matter how it goes, remember to treat your date with compassion.

“Remember your manners. Respect your date,” says Mr Pang.