The keys to a perfect date depend on whose door someone is trying to unlock. There are doors to perfect first dates and doors to perfect tenth dates. There are doors that open the dating world of men and others that open up the hearts of women. The first key has to do with expectations.
1. Be Flexible
Keeping an open mind about how things actually are on your date, rather than how you think they ought to be, is one of the main keys to the perfect date. Don’t set expectations higher than is realistic. If you go on a first date expecting one thing, but it turns out to be something entirely different, try to stay in the moment and enjoy your newfound date regardless of what initially might be perceived as thorns.
2. No Big Surprises At First
Never surprise your date with two tickets to the opera without a warning that jeans and a tee shirt are not appropriate. Likewise, never take a date to a mud-wrestling event if he or she answers the door in formal attire. Don’t give her a kitten. Don’t give him a puppy. All parties should be completely forthcoming with one another and try to make one another as comfortable as possible.
3. Slow Down
It is perfectly ok to plan a date to meet for a drink before either of you make a dinner date. Choose an upbeat venue, but one that is not too loud, where you can hear one another speak. Sit for a while and chat. If the two of you hit it off, try to arrange something a little more elaborate in the near future, and make plans for something you both like to do. It could be rock climbing, going for a bike ride, kayaking, catching a movie or simply going out to dinner.
Enough About Me. Let’s Talk About You. What do YOU Think About Me?
The fourth key to the perfect date is not to focus on your self too much. Give the other person a chance to speak. Ask questions. Make a point in showing interest in whatever your date is saying. When you talk, pause occasionally and do not try to dominate the conversation.
4. Avoid Talking About Politics and Religion. Really.
The old saying is true, or it would not still be rearing its old head over and again. One of the keys to having a perfect date is to avoid talking about controversial subjects, at least at first. When the two of you get to know one another better, it is fine to debate these, or any subjects.
Cell Phones Off, Please.
The perfect date calls for paying the other person the courtesy of your full attention. Turn off those cell phones and put them away. Forget about text messaging your pals. Wait until the date is over. This is a sign of respect that will go far.
5. Be Courteous
This sounds like obvious advice, and perhaps it is, but sometimes, people forget. Manners rule. Be kind, courteous and respectful at all times. This is one of the major keys to a perfect date.
6. Make it Special
The person who strives to make the date perfect will, in fact, make it so. The eighth key to the perfect date involves doing something special for the other person. It need not be anything enormous. Pick a rose and give it to her. Take along a nice bottle of wine. Both men and women can give one another small tokens of appreciation for the date, and that will make it special.
7. Having Fun is Fun
Don’t get too caught up in the logistics of things. Really make an effort to have a good time. No date is perfect unless both people are having fun. Try to keep the mood as light hearted as possible. Learn a good joke or two. Laugh a lot. Life is too short not to.
Dating can have its ups and downs. However, these seven tips can help assure that it gets as close to perfect as it can be. Whether or not you make a love connection is up to you.
