You only get one chance to make a good first impression, especially on a date. First impressions once made can be impossible to change. Also, they often set the tone for the relationship. Therefore the importance of this long-lasting impression cannot be overemphasized. Here are 7 ways to make a good first impression on a date.

1. Be on Time

Simply being on time is the first way to make a good impression. It is better to be early and relaxed than late and apologetic. So make sure you plan to arrive a few minutes early. Your plan should take traffic and distance into account, especially if you have never been to the location of the date beforehand. Also, try and pick a place that is close to both parties. This makes being on time easier.

2. Physical Appearance

While a date is all about getting to know the person beneath the physical appearance, don’t discount the physical appearance altogether. Make sure you look put together before you step out for your date. How you dress is a big part of this. Be appropriately dressed for the occasion. You won’t put on shoes and a suit to go hiking. So make sure you’re dressed appropriately for your date. Your physical appearance involves more than your dressing, it also involves how you look from head to toe. So pay attention to everything from your hair to your shoes.

3. Smile

A smile is the next thing people notice after your physical appearance and how early you were. As the saying goes, you are never fully dressed without a smile. Plus, a charming smile can put anyone at ease. So be sure to add a smile to the dress code. However, make sure you don’t smile much more than needed so you don’t come across as insincere.

4. Be Yourself
Making a good first impression involves showing the best version of yourself and not pretending to be someone else. You have to be yourself. You want the person you are meeting to like the real you, not the version you are pretending to be.

5. Be Present

So many times we are present in a physical location but our mind is somewhere else. The person you are interacting with can feel it when you aren’t paying attention to them. So make sure to be present and enjoy the moment that you are experiencing right now. A good way to do this is to set aside your phone, either put it off or put it in your bag. Make sure it isn’t in a place where its buzzing will interrupt the moment. Give your date your full attention, anything less will make them feel unimportant or boring.

6. Be Open

Most communication is nonverbal, so make sure you use this to your advantage. Use your body language to convey that you are open, interested, and confident. This speaks louder than words. So smile, make eye contact — but not for long. Greet them with a firm handshake and a smile. All of this helps project confidence and it puts the other person at ease. You may be nervous as is expected on a date. But try to stay relaxed because nerves show in physical mannerisms such as tapping the table or shaking your leg.

7. Show Interest

When on a date, the other person is wondering if you are interested. So ensure you show your interest. The best way to do this is by using nonverbal signs — our trusty body language. Smile, turn towards them with your whole body, don’t fold your hands, just make sure your body language shows openness. Verbal communication is also a great way to show interest. Tell your date often that you are enjoying yourself. Don’t monopolize the conversation by talking about yourself all the time.

Make sure you ask questions and listen. Prepare a few questions before you come, not a full list just a few things you are curious to learn about the person. Learn something about them beforehand; this shows your interest and helps keep the conversation flowing. Find something you have in common; literature, arts, and share your opinion about this. It will help keep the conversation alive. Don’t forget to listen because if you are interested in someone, you listen to what they have to say.