How to Calm First Date Nerves

Sometimes nerves can get the best of you in anticipation of the first date. It's natural. If your stomach happens to get a few butterflies, chances are your date has them, too. Before meeting in a public place for the first time or showing up at your date's door, it helps to have some ideas beforehand to calm first date nerves.

Be Yourself

Look at it positively. If your date won't like you for who you are, what's the point in trying to be something you're not? It's sensible just to be yourself and get to know the other person on a casual basis. Ask open ended questions and speak freely, but be yourself. Putting it another way, if you show some kind of façade your date will likely see right through you; then there may not be a second date. Relax and have fun; it isn't a job interview.

Exercise

Go for a run, hit the gym, or do some kind of exercise. Getting the heart rate going helps alleviate the jitters.

Divert Your Attention

If you wake up Saturday morning and your first date isn't until the evening, set a schedule to keep yourself busy throughout the day. Keeping the day moving will keep you moving, which helps calm first date nerves.

Prepare Beforehand

If you know a little bit about the person, think of some topics to discuss during your date. It keeps the conversation flowing and lessens the chance of a nervous, awkward silence.

The Icebreaker

When you initially meet, a good way to break the ice is to give a compliment. If something immediately catches your attention, use that. It's a way to boost confidence and starts the date on the right foot.

Be Careful About a Pill

Other advice may suggest taking a pill to calm first date nerves. I cannot subscribe to this, but I thought it was important enough to include here. If you aren't used to taking a pill to calm first date nerves, don't experiment with it for the first time. It's not worth gambling over the possibility of side effects. It may make you loopy or produce some other side effect; then you'll be off your A-game.