Dating doesn't come easy to most of us. It's not like you can just show up for a date without preparing for it in one way or another. You clearly want to make a good impression and have a nice time. That's why it's important to have a few aspects in check, such as your appearance, a solid plan to keep the two of you entertained, and a list of topics to talk about. You can choose what to do before a date depending on what boosts your confidence best and lowers your anxiety and stress levels. Here is what you can try.
10 Ways to Prepare for a Date
1. Get your blood pumping
A short cardio or light exercise session is more than welcome before a date. The reason why getting your blood pumping works is the release of endorphins. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that will help you feel calmer and less stressed. In addition, after working out, you will feel more confident in the way you look. Maybe your body isn't perfect, but you can compensate for that with self-confidence and a wide smile.
2. Take a shower and don't overlook grooming
One of the essential first date tips for men is showering and grooming. Take a shower, trim your beard if you have any, shave, brush your teeth, clean your ears, and so on. Don't forget about your nails either. Also, if there's even the slightest chance you'll get more action after dinner, get a pedicure. Wearing perfume is optional, but we recommend it. A nice, masculine scent is alluring.
3. Dress for the occasion
It goes without saying that you shouldn't wear a tuxedo or an elegant dress for a walk in the park. Choose your outfit depending on your date plans. Still, even if it's a casual date, don't just throw a pair of jeans and a T-shirt on. Highlight the shape of your body with well-fitted clothes that work in your advantage.
Overdressing or underdressing needs to be avoided. When in doubt, however, always choose to overdress. It means that you made an effort and that's always nice.
4. Listen to your favorite tunes
What to do before a date that will put you in a good mood? Listen to your favorite tunes or music that lifts you up. You can actually choose music depending on how you want to feel. Are you stressed and anxious? Try binaural sounds that tickle the exact part of your brain responsible for calmness. Any genre goes as long as it has a positive effect on you.
5. Make interactive date plans
Dinner and a movie sounds nice, but what if you took your date to an escape room? Instead of sitting in the dark, watching a movie and not being able to talk about the action, you could solve a mystery together. It's a chance to find out if he or she is a team player, for example. Other similar activities are also recommended. Anything that involves interaction between you two is great.
Think about various activities that can be done even if there's just two of you. Unless it's a physical activity, you could even surprise your date with a few options. However, if you want to go climbing, for example, then it would be best to ask your date first if he or she is up for it.
6. Make a list of topics to discuss
This point is useful for two reasons. First of all, you will easily move past awkward silence moments when they happen. Second of all, you will not forget to ask him or her important questions. You are surely curious about many things regarding your date. So, organize your thoughts before you two meet to ensure a smooth conversation.
7. Do your homework
How to prepare for a date? Do your homework by checking his or her social media profiles. This is a form of stalking, but not the harmful one. It's about learning a few details about him or her. If, for example, you find out that your date loves tacos, then it's easy to locate the best taco place and go there. Or maybe your date's favorite stand-up comedian has an upcoming show in town. You could buy tickets and surprise him or her. All the information you find can be useful in one way or the other. Of course, remember not to overdo it and keep the other side a little mysterious for you.
8. Use social lubricants if needed
Some people are too tense to go on dates without having a glass of wine beforehand. Others rely on drinking alcohol during the date. While having one or two drinks is considered acceptable, anything more increases the risk of becoming sloppy. In this regard, specialists advise us to always choose tension and nervousness over the effects of alcohol or other relaxing substances. Instead, you could have chamomile or lavender tea to relax.
9. Set realistic expectations
Disappointment intervenes when we expect something that doesn't happen. You can easily avoid it by controlling your expectations. Don't daydream about a date like in the movies that ends with kissing and fireworks. Instead, try to be realistic. Your purpose is to get to know this person and have a nice time together. If anything else happens, take it as a bonus.
10. Make sure money is not a problem
In order to have the best time with your date, you shouldn't worry about money. Make sure you have enough according to the date you have planned, plus extra for unforeseen situations. This point isn't about showing off. It's about avoiding an uncomfortable situation and having one less thing on your mind to stress about. If money is a problem, then focus on picking a low-budget activity.
Summary
A date may be successful even if you don't put much effort into it. After all, it's the chemistry between you and the other person that matters. However, instead of leaving it to chance, you can ensure the success of your date by applying the tips above.