Turn your first date into a second by building real attraction through really getting to know each other.

Dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet new people and find potential partners. But it can also be nerve-wracking and stressful, especially when it comes to making a good first impression on your date.

How do you show your interest, personality, and compatibility without coming across as desperate, boring, or awkward?

Fortunately, there are some simple and effective tips that can help you wow your date and increase your chances of getting a second one.

We may be attracted to different things like femininity or confidence, but when it comes to communication and building that attraction, there are some basics that are universal.

Whether you are a man or a woman, these tips can help you make a positive and lasting impression on your date.

Body Language Tips for Dating

Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that can reveal a lot about how you and your date feel.

According to some experts, body language accounts for more than 90% of the messages we send and receive. So, it is important to pay attention to your own body language as well as your date’s.

Here are some body language tips for dating that can help you display confidence, attraction, and interest in your date:

Maintain good posture:

Research shows your posture and how you carry yourself affect how people perceive you. Using a natural, slumped, or upright changes how you and your date feel.

Stand or sit up straight, and avoid slouching or hunching over. This shows that you are confident, alert, and respectful.

Smile genuinely:

A smile is one of the most universal and attractive signals of happiness and friendliness. Smile when you greet your date, when you listen to them, and when you say something funny or positive.

A genuine smile involves not only your mouth but also your eyes and cheeks. Just don’t hold your smile the entire time, that’s creepy. Let it be natural.

Make eye contact:

Eye contact is a clear sign of attention, interest, and connection. Look into your date’s eyes when you talk to them or when they talk to you. Don’t stare too long or too intensely, as this can be intimidating.

Break eye contact occasionally to avoid awkwardness or pressure. This is especially important on a first date when you are just starting to build attraction.

Lean in:

Leaning in slightly towards your date indicates that you are engaged and interested in what they are saying or doing. It also creates a sense of intimacy and closeness.

Don’t lean in too much or too often, as this can invade their personal space or make them feel uncomfortable.

Mirror their gestures:

Mirroring is a subtle way of showing empathy and rapport with your date. It means mimicking their body language, such as their head movements, facial expressions, hand gestures, or posture.

Mirroring can make your date feel more comfortable and connected with you. Don’t overdo it or copy everything they do, as this can seem unnatural or mocking.

Touch them gently:

Touch is another powerful way of expressing attraction and affection. Touching your date gently on their arm, shoulder, hand, or back can create a spark and show that you like them. It can also break the ice and reduce tension.

Make sure that your touch is appropriate for the situation and that your date is comfortable with it. Don’t touch them too much or too soon, as this can be intrusive or offensive.

Conversation Tips for Dating

Conversation is an essential part of any date. It allows you to get to know each other better, share your thoughts and feelings, and have fun.

But, conversation can also be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to say or how to say it.

Luckily if you’ve chosen the right kind of date location or activity, it will give you plenty to talk about.

Here are some quick conversation tips for dating that can help you communicate effectively, impressively, and enjoyably:

Ask open-ended questions:

Open-ended questions are questions that require more than a yes or no answer. They encourage your date to elaborate on their opinions, experiences, or interests. They also show that you are curious and attentive to what they have to say.

Examples of open-ended questions are: What do you like about your job? How do you spend your free time? What are you passionate about? They’re questions that need more than a yes or no answer.

Listen actively:

Listening is not just hearing what your date says but also understanding what they mean. Listening actively means paying attention to their words, tone, body language, and emotions.

It also means giving feedback, such as nodding, smiling, commenting, or asking follow-up questions. Listening actively shows that you care about your date and respect their views.

Share something about yourself:

Sharing something about yourself is a way of building trust and rapport with your date. It also gives them a chance to learn more about you and relate to you.

Share something that is relevant to the topic or the situation, such as your hobbies, goals, values, or opinions. Don’t share too much or too personal information at once, as this can be overwhelming or inappropriate for a first date.

Compliment them sincerely:

Complimenting your date is a way of expressing your admiration and appreciation for them. It can also boost their confidence and make them feel good.

Compliment them sincerely on something that you like or notice about them, such as their appearance, personality, skills, or achievements. Don’t compliment them too much or too vaguely, as this can seem insincere or flattering.

Use humor:

Humor is a great way to break the ice and lighten the mood on a date. It can also show your wit, charm, and intelligence to build rapport with your date.

And it’s because it makes your date laugh, smile, and relax.

In fact, research has shown a couple humor is a huge attraction factor between men and women. Just be sure to remember not to try and be funny while being crude or inappropriate.

Avoid sensitive topics:

Sensitive topics are topics that can cause disagreement, discomfort, or conflict on a date. They include topics such as religion, politics, money, exes, or personal problems.

Avoid bringing up these topics on a first date, unless your date initiates them or you have a strong reason to discuss them. If you do talk about these topics, be respectful, open-minded, and tactful. Don’t argue, judge, or criticize your date or their views.

Related: How to write a killer online dating profile that gets you swiped

Take your date to the next level by upping your conversation game

By following these body language and conversation tips for dating, you can make a good first impression on your date and have a fun and memorable time with them.

Remember to be yourself, be respectful, and be positive. Good luck and happy dating! 

David N. Brace

David N. Brace is a relationship expert that lives what he preaches having built a 20-year happy marriage. Relationships take work and effort but if we are willing to do so and to keep growing as individuals, we can build something amazing that lasts a lifetime.

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