12 Proven First Date Tips That All Men Need To Know

Going on a first date with that girl you’ve been crushing on can be exciting, intimidating and nerve-racking – all at the same time!

From your appearance to your demeanour, it’s important to be prepared so you can make a strong first impression. That’s because good vibes from the first date can lead to a second date or even the start of a relationship!

Step up your dating game by following our surefire dating tips for men. Sparks will fly in no time!

#1 Go for a Neat First-date Hairstyle

Does your hairstyle matter during a date? Absolutely! If your hair’s a mess, it’s a sign that you didn’t put in much effort to look presentable for your date. Chances are you won’t get that second date either.

A sharp hairstyle can make a difference to your appearance. If you’ve not been to the barber for a while, it’s time to get a quick trim for a neater appearance. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not spice things up with a fresh hairstyle just in time your date? Men’s hairstyles that ooze stylish appeal include the Quiff or Undercut. If you prefer a more clean-cut look, we recommend the Pompadour.

Ultimately, choose a style that best reflects your personality. A low-maintenance or classic style shows you’re a practical guy while something more contemporary says you’re a confident man.

It’s important to keep your hair neat throughout your date. Don’t forget to use good hairstyling products to get the look you want and to keep everything in place. Use pomade to nail that gentleman look or hair wax to give you that casual finish for a laid-back vibe.

#2 Dress According to the Location and Occasion

Thinking about what to wear on a first date? To plan your outfit in advance, you’ll first have to decide what to do on the first date!

Where will you be going and will it be a special occasion or just a casual outing? Dress accordingly! Don’t be underdressed in frayed jeans for fine dining nor overdressed in a suit for a trip to the beach.

If you’ve made a reservation at a swanky restaurant, check out whether there’s any dress code. No crinkly shirts please! Iron your clothes so you’ll look neat and presentable.

#3 Keep it Subtle with Cologne

When on a date, it’s all about the chemistry. To help you along in that department, spray some cologne to boost your confidence.

A pleasant scent can make you appear more attractive to women. There’s no hard and fast rule on what type of scent to wear, so go with a body fragrance you’re comfortable with. What’s important is that you choose a cologne that’s not too overpowering. Keeping it subtle is key!

If you know that your date has sensitive nose or dislikes certain smells, then avoid a fragrance to be on the safe side.

#4 Be Well-groomed

The pre-grooming routine is an important part of getting ready for your big date. Who wouldn’t be impressed with a neat and clean-cut physical appearance? Don’t spoil your odds of getting that second date by looking unkempt.

Before heading out, thoroughly cleanse your face with a facial wash for a clean and clear complexion. Using the right cleanser regularly can help you to banish oil, shine and acne. Moisturiser is also a must if you have dry or patchy skin.

Don’t forget to get rid of facial hair as part of your men’s grooming routine. A clean-shaven face is more attractive than one full of wild stubble. Long and dirty nails can also be a huge turn-off, so remember to keep your nails trimmed and clean.

#5 Stay Fresh

Imagine that you’ve managed to slay the date. Everything’s going really well and if she gives you the right cues, you may actually get to end the date with a kiss. The last thing you want is to have bad breath –the ultimate romance killer! So slip a couple of fresh mints into your pocket to keep your breath fresh throughout the date.

Also, you never know when you may need to freshen up during your date. Bringing along some pocket-sized facial wipes or body wipes will help you to cool down or wipe off sweat. An oil blotter will also come in handy to remove oil and shine from your face.

#6 Bring a Small Bag for Your Valuables

A small bag or stylish clutch is useful to store your personal belongings like your wallet, mobile phone, earphones, portable charger, facial or body wipes, and some fresh mints.

Why bring one? Well, it’s good to keep your hands free because you never know … If magic happens and she seems super interested in you, you may get the chance to hold her hand when the timing’s right.

#7 Behave like the Perfect Gentleman

Your date will feel extremely flattered if you behave like the perfect gentleman in her presence. Good manners go a long way!

For a start, you can be on time (or early!). Don’t let her wait for you. You can also pull out the chair for her at the restaurant table, walk on the curbside, send her home or pay for the dinner bill! More importantly, maintain eye contact while talking because that’s a sign you’re interested in her.

#8 Be Present and Pay Attention

Imagine that you’re talking with your dream girl, but every now and then, you can’t help but look at your phone to check your messages or social media. From your date’s point of view, that’s a red flag because she’s competing with your phone for your attention! Tip: put your phone on silent mode and tuck it into your back pocket.

It’s important give her your fullest attention while you’re having a conversation. Asking questions shows you want to know more about her. But do leave exes (both yours and hers) out of the conversation – this mood-killing move can make your date feel less special.

#9 Skip the Small Talk

If you already know your date through mutual friends, school or work, we suggest skipping the small talk as superficial topics can be uncomfortable or boring.

It’s better to engage in a more meaningful conversation. That’s also a sign that you want to know more about her on a deeper level. This may not come naturally to some, so have some potential conversation topics in mind to prevent that awkward silence.

Hobbies, career ambitions, travel bucket lists, views on current affairs or favourite foods are some conversation starters you can try. Her answers may even come in useful for future dates – you can take her to eat her favourite cuisine on the next outing!

#10 Establish Common Ground

During your date, take the opportunity to find out whether you have any common interests, share similar values or have the same outlook on life. Do it subtly of course.

After all, one of the most important ingredients of a successful relationship is to have something in common with your partner. Yes, we know … it may be too soon to think that far ahead especially when you’re only on that first date. But you’ll know there’s the potential for something more if you have some common ground in the first place.

#11 Have a Back Up Plan

Sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t always go to plan. So do have a back-up plan in terms of location and itinerary especially if you’re going to be outdoors.

If you’ve planned a picnic in a park, have a contingency weatherproof plan in case it rains. Planned to dine at a popular restaurant which doesn’t accept reservations? Have another option on standby in case the queue gets too long.

Impress your date by being prepared with well thought-out plans. That way, you won’t have to scramble for an alternative at the last minute.

#12 Have Fun and Don’t Set Expectations

It’s normal to have some pre-date jitters and you shouldn’t expect too much from the first date. The most important thing is to just relax, go with the flow and enjoy each other’s company.

Take the chance to get to know her. Ultimately, the first date is like a trial run to see whether things could potentially work out. If your chemistry has been off the charts, don’t hesitate to ask her out again!