Dating done right is the start of amazing relationships, done wrong it just goes wrong. Here’s the difference.

Dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet new people, explore your compatibility, and potentially find love.

But it can also be challenging, confusing, and stressful, especially in the modern world of dating apps, online platforms, and changing social norms.

In fact, Pew Research has found that nearly half of adults say dating today is harder than it was just 10 years ago.

How do you navigate the dating scene with grace, respect, and confidence? What are the dos and don’ts of dating etiquette for every situation?

In this ultimate guide, we will share some tips and advice on how to make a good impression, avoid common pitfalls, and handle different scenarios when dating.

Whether you are looking for a casual fling, a serious relationship, or anything in between, these tips will help you ace your date.

Be prepared before the Date

We all know that the days leading up to a first date can feel full of stress and anxiety worrying about how it will go and how you will perform.

But there’s really not much to stress about.

All you are doing is meeting someone new and seeing what kind of person they are.

Just think about it like that. It’s not a make or break moment in your life and isn’t going to determine you happiness in life.

And, with a little preparation, you can make it into an amazing experience for the both of you that flows easily.

In order to build rapport and have a great time, there are some things you should do to prepare yourself and set the right expectations.

• Do your research. If you met someone online or through an app, it’s a good idea to check their profile, social media accounts, or any other sources of information that can give you a sense of who they are, what they are looking for, and what they are interested in. This can help you avoid awkward surprises, find common ground, and tailor your conversation topics accordingly. However, don’t go overboard with stalking or snooping – that can come across as creepy or invasive.

• Be honest. If you have an online dating profile or use an app, make sure it reflects your true self. Use recent and clear photos that show your face and body type. Write a bio that showcases your personality, interests, values, and goals. Don’t lie about your age, height, weight, occupation, marital status, or anything else that could affect your potential match’s decision to date you. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to dating – you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot by deceiving someone or being deceived by someone.

• Be respectful. When you are communicating with someone online or through an app, be polite and courteous. Don’t send unsolicited messages, photos, or requests that could be offensive or inappropriate. Don’t ghost someone or leave them hanging without an explanation. Don’t spam someone with multiple messages or calls if they don’t respond right away. Treat others the way you want to be treated – with respect and dignity.

• Be selective. According to a Pew Research survey, 53% of daters say it’s hard to find someone who is looking for the same type of relationship as they are. That’s why it’s important to be clear about what you want and what you don’t want in a potential partner. Don’t waste your time or energy on people who are not compatible with your preferences, goals, or values. Be selective about who you swipe right on, who you message, who you agree to meet in person, and who you continue to see after the first date.

• Choose an interesting activity or venue but keep it simple. You don’t have to go all out on a first date, just pick somewhere simple that gives you a chance to have a real talk. The best first dates are ones that allow you to move a bit and be relaxed. According to one of YouTube’s biggest dating personalities Courtney Ryan says outdoor date activities can be a great introduction to each other. Things like Hiking, picnics, or even mini-golf.

Related: Here are the most effective dating tips and tricks from the experts and coaches.

During the Date

“The first 2 weeks of attraction are really, really important because if we don’t make a great impression there, no one cares how great we’re going to be in the future.” Matthew Hussey

Once you’ve met and seen just how attractive your date is, how are you going to perform, what are you going to talk about and how do you act to keep them interested and the attraction building?

It’s not that hard, remember, you’re on the date because there’s already an initial attraction, so don’t worry too much.

The biggest thing to focus on is being yourself and having fun.

Just remember, your body language can communicate more than your words and you can use that to your advantage when building attraction and tension.

During the date, there are some things you should do to make a good impression, have a pleasant conversation, and show interest in your date.

• Dress appropriately. Your outfit can say a lot about you and how much you care about the date. Choose something that fits well, suits the occasion, and reflects your style and personality. Avoid wearing anything too revealing, too casual, too formal, or too flashy. You want to look attractive but not desperate, comfortable but not sloppy, confident but not arrogant.

• Be punctual. Showing up on time is a sign of respect and consideration for your date. It shows that you value their time and that you are serious about meeting them. If you are running late for some reason, let them know as soon as possible and apologize sincerely. Don’t make them wait for too long or wonder if you are going to show up at all.

• Be attentive. When you are on a date with someone, give them your full attention. Put away your phone and any other distractions. Make eye contact and smile. Listen actively and ask open-ended questions. Show interest in what they have to say and respond accordingly. Whatever you do, stay off you phone, studies show over half of people have had a partner become distracted because of their phone. And don’t bring up topics that could be controversial or sensitive, such as politics, religion, exes, or money.

• Be respectful. When you are on a date with someone, treat them with respect and kindness. Don’t make assumptions or judgments about them based on their appearance, background, or preferences. Don’t make rude or offensive comments or jokes that could hurt their feelings or make them uncomfortable. Don’t touch them without their consent or pressure them into doing something they don’t want to do. Respect their boundaries and preferences and expect the same from them.

After the Date

Once the date is done what do you do?

Do you wait the mandatory 3 days to send a text? Or send a thank you the next morning?

Do you try and schedule another date or let them wait a bit to build anticipation?

After a date there are some key things, you can do that will either let your partner know you really are interested and enjoyed spending time with them or make them question just how good of a date it really was.

So be sure to follow up and let them know how you felt by following the steps below.

• Say thank you. At the end of the date, thank your date for their time and company. Express how you enjoyed the date and what you liked about them. If you paid for the date or split the bill, thank them for their contribution. If they gave you a compliment, a gift, or a gesture, thank them for their thoughtfulness. A simple thank you can go a long way in making a good impression and showing your gratitude.

• Be honest. After the date, be honest with yourself and your date about how you feel and what you want. If you had a great time and want to see them again, let them know. If you didn’t feel a connection or don’t want to pursue anything further, let them know. Don’t lead them on or give them false hope. Don’t ghost them or ignore them. Be clear and direct about your intentions and expectations.

• Be respectful. After the date, be respectful of your date’s feelings and wishes. Don’t bombard them with messages or calls if they don’t respond right away. Don’t pressure them into making a decision or commitment if they are not ready. Don’t badmouth them or spread rumors about them if things didn’t work out. Respect their privacy and dignity and expect the same from them.

• Be flexible. After the date, be flexible and open-minded about the outcome and the future. Don’t expect too much or too little from your date or yourself. Don’t rush into anything or drag anything out. Don’t compare your date or your experience to others or to idealized standards. Be realistic and optimistic about the possibilities and opportunities that dating can offer.

Conclusion

Dating can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience if you follow some basic etiquette rules that can help you make a good impression, avoid common pitfalls, and handle different scenarios when dating.

By being honest, respectful, attentive, selective, punctual, thankful, flexible, and appropriate, you can increase your chances of finding someone who is compatible with you and who shares your goals and values.

Dating isn’t hard, we make it hard by getting into our own heads and creating negative thought patterns that build anxiety.

But just be yourself, have fun and follow this guide.

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.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest articles, research, and great deals to keep your relationship growing.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit

Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest articles, research, and great deals to keep your relationship growing.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit