We’ve all been there… experienced the sweaty palms, the fast-beating heart, the shaky knees, the flushed cheeks. Dating’s hard and we all know it!
What’s important to remember is that first date nerves go both ways and whoever you’re meeting will be feeling the exact same way.
First dates are a leap of faith, putting your trust in a complete stranger and hoping that everything will work out exactly how you want it to… and, in this respect, nerves are actually a good sign. They show that you care!
That said, you still don’t want them to take control completely and you still want to have a good time, so having a few little strategies up your sleeve to bust those first date nerves is a solid plan.
So, with that in mind, here are just three of my hottest tips to help you feel confident and secure when meeting me for the first time.
1. Practise self-love
A wonderful first date ritual that can help you feel centred, less anxious and more at peace before heading out the door is to show yourself a little bit of love.
To paraphrase the immortal words of Dom ‘Woogie’ Woganowski from There’s Something About Mary, not releasing tension before a first date is “like going out there with a loaded gun!”, so take it low, take it slow and pleasure all your anxiety away.
2. Pick a date spot you know you like
You want to feel comfortable and at ease as soon as you step through the door, so choosing a place that you’re familiar with can make a big difference to your nerves.
Of course, you may well still want to be discreet when we meet, so perhaps choose a place that you know but which you don’t frequent all the time.
3. Vocalise your feelings
A problem shared is a problem halved, so if you do feel as though the nerves are taking hold, just tell me and I’ll do all I can to make you feel relaxed and taken care of.
It’ll be like we’re old friends (with benefits)!
