Introduction

According to Murphy’s law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. You have spent so much time and effort to arrange a date with the person you like, and fumbling at your first date is the last thing you want.

In order to ensure a successful first date, Love Clinic has divided the first date into the pre-date phase, the date itself and the post-date phase,  and highlighted the important points which you should take note of.

We have devised a catchy mnemonic for our first date strategies – CPR.ABC.123 - which will help you get through each stage of the first date with ease.

Ready? Let's start by looking at the first 3 steps - CPR.

Pre-Date Phase: Using CPR To Ensure Survival To The Next Phase

Conversation Topics

Running dry on conversation topics and resulting in embarrassing silences is one of the last things you would want to occur on your first date. Think of possible conversation topics beforehand. These would include hobbies, sports, travel and music. Check out on the latest fashion and food, as these are topics which girls like to talk about.

Plan the Venue and Activity

Before the date, spend time to think of what you want to do with her. Suggested ideas include a simple meal for two at a café or restaurant so that more time can be spent on conversations to know each other better. Other ideas include engaging in her favourite sport (because exercises are known to pump up adrenaline levels which create a sense of euphoria) or a simple walk in the park. The rule of the thumb is to choose an activity which allows for interaction, and preferably, something which the both of you enjoy.

Whatever the activity chosen, it will be best to reserve the venue in advance. It will be good to familiarize yourself with the venue or menu beforehand so that you are more confident and decisive during the date.

Right Mindset

Have realistic expectations. By accepting an invitation from you to go out alone does not necessarily mean that the girl wants you to be her boyfriend! Hence, do not expect to hold her hand or get a kiss from this first encounter. Treat this first date as an opportunity to know each other better. Do not rush into things and see how the relationship develops from there.

The Date Itself: Making It As Easy As ABC

Activity – Do Something Memorable

To make your date remember you as “that guy” among the 1001 guys she has dated over the past week, you must do something memorable. You can consider a walk down the river bank with her, or bringing her to her favourite desert shop. Generally, you should target the activity to her interests for her to remember you.

Be Yourself

The trick to succeed on your first date is to be yourself! Do not overdress in a tuxedo just to impress the girl of your dreams. Similarly, do not attempt to flaunt your wealth when you know that your salary is only $2,000 per month. If you try too much to impress, not only will you appear clumsy and superficial in your actions, you will create a false image of deception which is detrimental to the development of a long term relationship.

Continuity

One of the main objectives of the date itself is to set the foundation for future dates. Ensure continuity by offering to foot the bill. If she is interested in you as well, she will take the hint and offer to treat you back the next time! Treating her for the first date gives you an excuse for both of you to meet for a second time. Alternatively, you can offer to take some photos during the first date and show it to her during the second date.

Post-Date Phase: Using The Power of 123 To Get Another Date

One of the important objectives for the post date phase would be to ask for a second one. You can use the numbers 123 to gauge when is a good time to ask for the next date.

1 – 1 Week

Our research has shown that asking for a second date within 1 week to 10 days from the first one would be the optimal time. Anything longer than that runs the risk of the romance dying down and you may have to start everything all over again.

2- 2 Days

Give her a call 2 days after your first time. Calling her too early may make you sound desperate. Calling her too late gives her the impression that you are not interested in her. Hence, 2 days will be the best time.

3- 3 Tries

What happens if she rejects you for a second date? We advocate that you ask her on 3 separate occasions. If she still rejects you after you have tried 3 times, it is best to give up and move on. There is no point wasting too much time on someone who is not interested in you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mnemonic CPR ensures survival in the pre-date phase, ABC makes the date itself easy and 123 gives you the optimal time to ask for a second date in the post date phase.

The Love Clinic Team wishes you success in all 3 stages of your first date!