As exciting as meeting new people can be, there’s no doubt that stress and nerves also come along with it. Perhaps you’ve been out of the dating game for quite some time, and are worried about everything from the “hello” (do we shake hands or is that too formal? Do I go in for a hug?) to your “goodbyes” (now do we hug?).
Opening up to someone you’ve never met before, can be scary, and you often find yourself spending more time overthinking than relaxing and enjoying the company in front of you. For singles that feel stressed out about dating, there are plenty of tips you can use to ease your nerves.
Don’t put too much pressure on dating
No matter what one’s goal is with dating, putting pressure on yourself to find the one on date #1 can without a doubt put unnecessary stress on you. Remember, dating is supposed to be fun! There’s no time limit or expiration date to be worried about. Take the time to meet new people, learn what you want in a partner, and enjoy the adventure. Increased pressures may also have you feeling a bit more uptight and closed off. Instead, try to let loose and let your true personalities shine through. A great tip to try out before your date arrives is to take a quick five in the washroom to give yourself a pep talk of sorts. Take a couple deep breaths to feel at ease.
Prepare for the date
Thinking about being on the date can make you anxious. Here’s a tip – try not to go into a date completely blind – do a little preparation ahead of time. You can prepare first and foremost by researching the location of the date ahead of time. This way you can figure out the fastest way to get there, and avoid being late for your date. After looking up the date location, the dress code will also be clear, so you won’t spend hours trying to figure out what’s appropriate to wear. Scouting out the location will also help to keep the overall date from overwhelming you. You’ve already seen where it will take place, so at least that won’t be a surprise.
Discover self-confidence
Lastly, you may be stressing because you’re not the most confident person or struggle with insecurity. If this sounds like you, it’s best to identify small ways to grow your confidence day by day. Everyone has insecurities, but not confronting them will make it very difficult to feel confident. Technology and products are always improving, so there’s a possibility that whatever is making you insecure can be addressed. For example, if you’re someone who suffers from excessive perspiration, check out the latest deodorants to combat this, or if perhaps you’re concerned about grooming or hair loss, consider using products like this.
Just remember, you’re perfect just as you are, and although it’s easier said than done, it’s crucial to learn to love yourself. Make an effort to practice positive thinking daily and appreciate the qualities of yours that you love.
