Feeling nervous before a date? It is perfectly natural to be nervous before a date, especially if it is the first date! Dating is a lot of hard work and it is difficult to put yourself out there, but simply knowing that it is natural to be nervous before a date doesn’t do much to settle your nerves.
If you are feeling nervous before a date, there are a few things that you can try that should help. So, if you are nervous about a date then keep reading for a few of the best strategies to try.
Speak With Your Date Online
A great way to alleviate nerves before a date is to talk to your date in the run-up to the big day. Part of what makes dating so stressful is meeting someone that you do not know, so if you can build rapport beforehand then this will help. You do not want to run out of things to say or lose the excitement, but finding a few shared interests beforehand can make a big difference and turn nerves into excitement.
Keep it Casual
Everyone gets nervous before a first date, but you can reduce this by choosing a date idea that is casual and fun. Going for dinner and sitting opposite someone for over an hour can be intense, which can trigger anxiety. This is why it is better to opt for something short, fun, and casual for a first date. Going for a walk, bowling and mini-golf are just a few ideas worth considering.
Make a List Of Conversation Starters
Many people get nervous about a date because they worry that they will run out of things to say. If this is a concern, a smart strategy is to create a list of questions and conversation starters on your phone. Obviously, you should not pull this out and start interviewing your date, but knowing that you have topics that you can fall back on will greatly reduce your anxiety.
Additionally, you can find some great questions and conversation starters online that will spice up the date and be more interesting than the typical work, family, and hobbies questions.
Schedule a Pre-Date Workout
A fantastic way to use up that pre-date nervous energy and give yourself a confidence boost is with a workout. Working out will give you an endorphin rush, which can help you to feel much more confident and self-assured going into the date. Just be sure not to overdo it and always remember to take a shower before meeting up!
Get a Haircut
Another way to give yourself a confidence boost and to feel good going into the date is to get a haircut. You always want to look and feel your best when going on a date and a fresh cut should help you to feel confident and (hopefully) impress your date.
Choose a Stylish Outfit
Following on from this, you should also pick out what you are going to wear in advance of the date. You may want to buy something new, such as a fashionable t-shirt from a designer like Jasper Holland. Having an outfit that you feel confident in will always help to reduce anxiety levels and help you to make a positive first impression.
If you are ever unsure about what to wear to a date, you could ask a friend for advice or look online for tips.
Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself
It is easier said than done, but you should not put too much pressure on yourself – it is not an interview and it is not the end of the world if there are a few awkward silences. Your date will be feeling nervous too, so go with the intention of having fun and not thinking about what it all means and what happens next.
Make Your Day Stress-Free
If possible, you should try to keep your day as stress-free as possible. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and get yourself in a positive mood before heading out. You might find it helpful to listen to music that will get you in a good and confident mindset.
Many people like to have a drink beforehand – this could settle your nerves, but be sure to take it easy. Showing up to a date drunk is never a good look!
Practice Positivity
In the days running up to the date, many people find that they have a lot of nagging, negative thoughts. Anxiety might be telling you that your date will think you are boring, that you will run out of things to say or there will be awkward silences. This can put you into a negative cycle, which is why you need to recognize these thoughts as anxiety and instead practice positive thinking.
Picturing the date going well in your head and thinking about your positive attributes can reduce anxiety in the days and hours before the date and help you to feel more confident.
Speak With Friends
Getting support from friends can also be helpful before a date. Having people that you know and love in your corner and giving you support will boost confidence and serve as a reminder that people do like you. It is hard meeting someone new, but when you have a support network in place, it shows that you can form relationships. Additionally, it shows that even if the date does not go well, you will still have people that love you.
Take Deep Breathes
It is simple, but breathing deeply is a proven way to lower anxiety. You may also want to practice mindfulness that will help you to be in the moment. Anxiety in dating often occurs when you start to think ahead and worry about things that may or may not happen. Instead, try to focus on the present and listen to your date instead of the thoughts in your head.
Nervous Before a Date? Try These Tips
It is perfectly natural to be nervous before a date, but it is not a nice feeling. These are a few of the best ways to stop getting nervous before a date and should help the date to be a success and enjoyable.
Check out our other dating advice to make sure that you are fully prepared!
