Be Present
Be Present
Being anywhere but present within the date will lead to a painful demise of the date. There is nothing more disappointing than someone being constantly occupied or detached from our attention. What it sub-communicates to the other person is that they don’t matter or they are not worthy of our attention. If there was no chemistry or interest previously then there is no real point going on the date in the first place.
Essential Etiquette
Both: Always put your focus on the other person because the very purpose of the date is to get to know one another and enjoy each others’ company. Alternatively, if the date is going downhill and you want to leave you can:
- Wait for an opportunity to politely leave whilst thanking them for their time
- Subtly implant the idea that you need to leave soon
- Be tactful and direct about ending the date
- Stick till the end
- Try turn the situation around and make the most of it
The goal is to leave without causing too much awkwardness and minimizing hard feelings.
Both: Put your phone in your pocket and refrain from texting or taking calls unless it is an emergency. If you do need to take a call or respond to a message apologize and let your date know that you need to reply.
Tips
- People have all sorts of reasons to behave the way they do during dates (i.e. nerves, mood swings, external events etc.) This doesn’t necessarily reflect on their true selves so it is best to be patient and give them an opportunity to be themselves around you. Remember it takes time to get to truly know someone.
- Do your best to maintain ‘natural’ eye contact with the other person – avoid staring (70% eye contact is ideal). Not only does it show you are interested and focused on them, it subconsciously creates more attraction.