The butterflies that flutter around on a first date are unmistakable. It’s a fine mix of nerves and excitement as you scour your closet for the perfect outfit. Modern dating has truly changed the game, as it is easier than ever to find someone online through all sorts of different dating apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and, for the industry elites, Raya (yep, the one that you have to be approved to get on and is filled with the likes of Skrillex, Channing Tatum, Cara Delevingne, and Ruby Rose). Then, there are the old-school ways of being offered a drink at your local bar, or maybe you’ve finally gotten out of the friend zone.
Preparing for the first date with someone new is an exciting opportunity to create a new life with a best friend and love, but it is also important to take caution and be aware of a few things before venturing out into the dating world.
Ask questions to determine compatibility.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to online date and chooses to ask the important questions on the date rather than texting all day long, it’s important to have a solid list of questions in the back of your mind as you head into your dinner date. When thinking of questions, ask yourself if you have any specific deal-breakers. There is nothing more painful than thinking you’ve found your perfect partner and then finding out a year later that they’re a perfectionist and you’re more of a “let’s see what happens” type of person. While sometimes opposites can attract, finding common ground is a necessity in romantic compatibility.
You’re probably now wondering what type of questions you should be compiling on your list. One major question when looking for your soulmate could be, “Are Virgo and Pisces compatible?” But don’t be too terribly tied up with finding the perfect match to your sun sign, as a great companion just might be the opposite of who you think it will be, and if it doesn’t work out romantically, you may just end up as good friends.
Expect love but prepare for a flop.
Okay, so we all want dates to turn out amazing and to find our one true love and head straight for the altar. But, as the old saying goes, “You have to kiss a few frogs in order to find your prince (or princess).” While it may be disheartening to discover your online date doesn’t look anything like their photos and the small talk about their gym schedule is driving you absolutely insane, this just means that you’re one step closer to finding your forever partner (once the date finally ends). Hope for intellectual stimulation and mutual interest, but don’t become too disheartened if it doesn’t go as beautifully as you had hoped.
Create the perfect outfit.
The way you dress can drastically improve the way you feel about yourself, and it is scientifically proven that you are more confident when you look your best. You can create the ideal first date outfit without even leaving the comfort of your own home, but you will have to step outside eventually to go on this date! Luckily, with online heel stores with hundreds of new arrivals, you’ll be stepping into the dating scene looking as though you’re stepping onto the red carpet for the Oscars.
Dating can be one of the most exciting aspects of life, but it does come with its woes and struggles. Always ensure your safety, make sure you’re compatible, expect the best, and prepare for the worst. To offer you a bit of hope and dating fail giggles, here are 33 online dating stories to read before your next first date.