Over the years, we’ve seen a growing trend with online dating. For some, it’s become the ideal way for meeting and interacting with the endpoint in mind of developing a romantic, personal relationship. Recent statistics suggest that over 40 million people in the US which is about 40% of the population have turned to online dating and that number is expected to only increase.
For most, meeting someone online is the easy part leaving the most difficult part being the first date itself. Different from a traditional date, the focal point should be on getting to know the person across from you with many cues and conversation topics just not the same over the internet.
Below, we take a closer look at the Top 10 First Date Ideas for Online Dating which are based on those who have experienced it first-hand.
10. Listen, Don’t Talk
The best communication happens when someone listens, not talks. It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to impress the other person by telling them everything about you, but try listening first, and actually listening. This goes without saying, actively engage in the conversation while showing a genuine interest in the other person’s ideas and opinions, and in-time, they’ll probably extend the same to you.
9. Relax Before Heading Out
While easier said than done but be sure to relax before heading out on your first date. You’ll be amazed what simple things like taking a nap, listening to music, watching your favorite movie, enjoying a bubble bath, or going to the gym will have on your psych. Relaxing beforehand will allow you to focus, have fun and clear your mind.
8. Stick to Casual Conversation
If there’s ever an ice-breaker for a first date, it’s casual conversation. Keep the topic away from anything too personal such as religion, social opinion, politics or the last relationship which are all things to talk about on a later date. Stick to broader topics like work, personality traits, hobbies and interests.
7. Don’t Create Huge Expectations
Some may, but most will find the first date never lives up to their expectations. This is because we build up such huge expectations of what we hope a first date will be like and those expectations are shot-down when it doesn’t live up to them. Try to go into your first date with an open-mind and try living in the moment which will help minimize any disappointment.
6. Remember the Other Person is Just as Nervous as You
Odds are you’re not the only one who’s nervous about the first date. Remember this and take this into consideration. The first date is always the hardest and it’s the most difficult time for someone to “just be themselves”. You’ll probably find yourself saying or doing something you didn’t mean to, so don’t be judgmental when the other person does or says the same.
5. Meet in a Public Location
Even if you’ve had intense conversations over the phone or via computer, meeting in a public place for your first date is always something to consider. You may feel after hours of conversation you already know someone, but the harsh reality is you don’t. If he or she offers to pick you up, politely decline and offer to meet them instead.
4. Plan Your Date for After Your Date
You always want to make plans incase the date isn’t going as you hoped, or just the opposite and you don’t want the date to end. Make plans for the time immediately after your date and keep them to yourself for the time being and make your plans known depending on what you want to happen. Something simple like a movie with a friend afterwards or a nightcap at the neighborhood coffee shop.
3. Tell A Friend of Family Member About Your Date
Although online dating is proven to be safe, you never can be too safe. Be sure to tell someone close about the details of your date including when and where. Even after talking to someone online, remember, you’re meeting the for the very first time. Take it one step further and text them when you arrive, when you leave and when you get home.
2. Anything Casual, but Interactive
Conversation is always a focal point with any first date, but sometimes it doesn’t always flow like we want. Planning something casual, but interactive gives you the best of both worlds while partaking in an activity which is sure to take both of your minds of things. This allows you to relax while still conversating and allowing both to just be yourselves.
Some of the best examples include: mini golf, bowling, walk in the park, zoo, aquarium or an amusement park.
1. Be Yourself
As is the case with any date, be sure to be yourself. Never try to be something you want your date to be which will only cause your problems down the road. If you ever want a long-term relationship, it’s only going to happen if you let that someone get to know the real you starting with the first date. This will also tell you if your date really likes you for you or just the idea of a perfect person, which there’s no such thing.