How To Make The Best Possible First Impression

If you want to get a second date with that special lady you’ve been coveting, you need to make sure that you make the best possible impression on that first date. Here’s how to do that.

1. Get Cleaned Up

Taking a shower before going out is the least you can do to get cleaned up for your date. It’s also a good idea to go out and get a haircut, trim your facial hair (or shave). Make sure that your nails look good, that your teeth aren’t covered in anything filmy (you don’t have to go to the dentist, just give those teeth a good and vigorous brushing), you get the idea. Even if she’s used to seeing you in ratty jeans and a t-shirt…no, especially if she’s used to seeing you in ratty clothing, sprucing yourself up is a good idea. It shows that you think she’s worth putting in some time and effort.

2. Dress Well

Dress up! Wear a properly fitting suit and tie on your date. If you haven’t purchased a new suit in a few years, it’s worth it to go shopping. Fashion has changed subtly but noticeably, and you want to look fashionable. You can find good Men’s Suits from Brooks Brothers (you can shop the clearance racks if you’re on a budget) and other men’s fashion houses. Don’t forget to buy new shoes to go with the suit (and get them shined)!

Pro Tip: Tell your date about your decision to dress up—especially if you’re planning on going somewhere fancy. Women appreciate knowing the dress code ahead of time.

3. Be Chivalrous

They say chivalry is dead. Even if you’ve heard your date talk about how she’s self sufficient and doesn’t need someone to open doors or pull chairs out for her, do it anyway. These gestures might seem small but they go a long way toward creating a good impression. Even if a woman says she doesn’t need that stuff, she still usually appreciates having it done for her.

4. Remember Your Manners

Manners are important. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Say “please” and “thank you” when doing so is appropriate. Keep your elbows off the table. Stand up when she gets up from or comes back to the table. Use your indoor voice. Enunciate properly, like pronouncing the “ing” on words instead of leaving it to be “in”. Keep the swearing to a minimum. Pick up the tab for the date (even if she offers to pay or pay at least her half).

5. Treat The People Who Are Serving You And Helping You Well

Waiters, bussers, hostesses, ticket takers, ushers, etc—treat all of them kindly and with respect. Those manners, mentioned before need to be used with these people as well. Your date is going to be paying attention to how well (or not well as the case may be) you treat the people who are helping to facilitate the various elements of your date. If you are rude to them, it will make you look really bad.

6. Customize The Date To Her Tastes

If you know that she loves reading, take her to a bookstore or arrange a visit to the rare books room at your local library or historical society. You’ll need to talk to her before going out to know about these things, of course, but customizing the date to her tastes is something she’ll appreciate.

Good luck on your date! Here’s to a fantastic first and hopefully many more after that!