Dating can be stressful. No matter how many dates you go on, the first time out with a new person can be incredibly nerve-wracking. You may be questioning everything, asking yourself, “Will they like me? Do I laugh too loud? What if I eat weird? What if they turn out to be totally crazy?” So how can you calm those anxious thoughts and get ready for an enjoyable time?
Calming nerves before a date is an art and different tactics work for different people. Depending on your comfort level, you may be able to get by with a few deep breaths and encouraging words from friends. Or, you may need to plan the whole day before with a trip to the gym or a spa day just to get in the right mood for love. Regardless of how you get there, it’s important to drive away the nerves so you can enjoy your time with the other person. Love and relationships are based on getting to know each other, and if you’re committed to being yourself, you’ll know the right person really loves you for you. So push those nerves aside with a few of these easy tips and tricks.
Know before you go
Going out with someone you’re super into is nerve-wracking enough, and it can be made worse when you’re going to a completely new place. It’s okay to claim home-field advantage. You can pick a spot to meet where you’ll feel at ease. Heck, you can even get there a little early to scope out the vibe and find the best seat in the house. Having familiar surroundings can help ease your nerves and put you in the mood for pleasant conversation.
Dress for success
Dates are scary because there’s a lot you can’t control. You don’t know how this other person is going to act or what to expect from the evening, but there are a few things that you can plan and control upfront. One of these is your attire. If you’re trying to wow your date, dress to impress. That black sheath dress petite that accentuates your curves? Heck yes! Or that killer pair of jeans that make you feel flirty and confident? Throw them on. Or the button down that has a funky pattern and leads to a good story? Sounds like a winner. Your wardrobe says a lot about you, so pick something that shows off your personality and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Call in assistance…responsibly
A lot of times, dates will involve drinks as a way to ease initial tension and make everyone feel a little more comfortable. It’s okay to use certain substances to ease your nerves, just be sure you’re doing this responsibly. A good option may be CBD. Developments in cbd edibles have led to the provision of pills, gummies, and other capsules that can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or nervousness. The great part about CBD is that the lack of THC in the edible product means you won’t get high, but rather experience a sense of calm. If you need a little extra push to fight off those last-second jitters, this may be the perfect way to do so.
Hype yourself up
Before you tackle something hard, try hyping yourself up with a killer playlist. Before your date starts, put on some jams that you can sing along to while amping up your confidence. Music has been proven to affect your mood, so use it as a tool to hype you up and put you in a good mental place before you walk inside.
Remember, we’re all in this together
Dates are hard for everyone. Just remember, the other person is nervous, too. Don’t put too much pressure on anything and know you’re both in this together. First dates aren’t super comfy for anyone, but they’re the only way to lead to a second date and find a relationship, which is most likely the endgame for both of you.
Leave a Reply