The First Date and the Art of Conversation
I don't know about you, but I can't think of any other experience (besides public speaking) that can make my heart pound, my palms sweat, and my tongue get all
tied up in a knot like going on a first date, especially if I'm really interested in the guy.
So what is the remedy for those first date jitters that cause your ability to make conversation sound like you have the intelligence of a five year old? Here are some suggestions:
Relax; Part of The Battle Has Already Been Won
We all know that the first date jitters are caused by the strong desire to make a good impression so that they'll be even more dates. Well, here’s a thought. Unless you happen to be going
on a blind date, you can be pretty sure that the person you going on a date with is already impressed with you.
Would he have ask you out in the first place if he didn't find something about you that he liked? Or would she have agreed to go out with you if she wasn't already impressed by something
about you? So relax. You've already made a good impression, so part of the battle has already been won.
Be Prepared
One way to keep your mind from going totally blank when you want to make interesting and witty conversation is to prepare a little something to
say. If it’s possible, find out a little bit about the person you will be dating. What are his, or her interests? What type of work does he or she do?
Also, think about the things that are most interesting about you. If you have a fascinating hobby or pastime that you enjoy, prepare to say a little bit about that. Or perhaps you've heard
an interesting or funny story. Being prepared will help you to be able to fill in those awkward silences that sometimes happen on a first date, and think of how impressive that will be.
Practice Make Perfect
There’s no better way to prepare yourself for the dating scene then to become an expert at talking to strangers. Once you’ve become comfortable with
talking to people you don’t know, the first date and dating in general will becomes a lot easier. People are generally attracted to relaxed, self-assured people, and that’s what you’ll be once you've mastered the art of talking to strangers.
Let Your Date Do Some Talking
Of course we want to impress our date with our witty repartee, but doing so to the point where he or she can’t get a word in edgewise will have the opposite effect. The truth be told, most people really
enjoy talking about themselves, so let your date do a little taking. After all, dating is a way for two people to get to know one another, and that can’t happen unless both parties get a chance to express themselves.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Follow the suggestions above, and you’ll no longer have to agonize over catching the first date jitters. You’ll be relaxed, worry free, and happy because you have mastered the art of conversation on the first date.
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