Preparing for a Date After a Long Time? Read This

So it’s been awhile since you’ve dabbled your toes into the dating world and now you are ready to try again. Whether you’ve just gotten out of a long term relationship and/or have spent some time alone rediscovering yourself after heartbreak or you simply didn’t have the time to let someone into your life – whatever the reason, preparing for a date after several years can be both exciting and overwhelmingly daunting. This, coupled with the fact that the majority of singles have now turned to the digital realm (a landscape you are unfamiliar with) to find love – making you feel a little out of your depth when it comes to getting ready for a date. You’ve trusted the process thus far and have been matched with someone who seems right for you. What’s next? Professional Matchmaker and Brisbane’s Love Guru Linda Prescott shares how to prepare for a date after a long time of being out of the love scene…

Dress to impress

This might come across as obvious, but let us remind you that first impressions really do count. According to conventional wisdom, the very first impression is made within seven seconds, so your appearance is key. That doesn’t mean that you need a three-piece suit or a ball gown, but it is appropriate to dress slightly nicer than you would for an average date. It’s important to wear something that you are comfortable in and makes you feel confident whilst remaining authentic to yourself. Afterall, you want your date to get to know the real you, not the version of you you think they might like. How much effort you put in your appearance can also speak volumes about who you are. If you look sloppy and unpresentable, what do you think this might say about how you handle other aspects of your life?

Come prepared

There really is nothing worse than sitting across from someone and having absolutely nothing to talk about. That awkward silence on a first date can be deafening and can really be a vibe killer. So, it’s highly recommended that you come prepared with some engaging questions to ask your date, especially if you have social anxiety or are an introvert yourself. This doesn’t mean shooting off a million and one questions – this isn’t a job interview. But ask engaging, thought provoking questions that can keep a conversation flowing. Open-ended questions allow the other person to express their true, authentic self and is a good way to get a sense of who the person really is. Basically, if you’re trying to truly connect with your date, asking questions without making it seem like an interrogation is the way to go.

Also read: Conversation Topics Guaranteed to Keep the Flow Going

Energy is everything

Going on a date after having an emotionally draining week or an exhausting day can be the last thing you want to do. And if you haven’t de-stressed and taken some time to relax before meeting your potential love interest, they’ll definitely be able to sense that negative vibe.
It should come as no surprise that it’s far more enjoyable to be around someone who’s positive, happy, and optimistic than it is to spend time with someone who’s negative, unhappy, and pessimistic. So if you act like a negative Nancy on your first date, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get a second chance to negate this first impression. Hence why you should do whatever makes you feel good and calm like meditating, reading or going for a walk to shift your energy before going on your date. Having a positive energy will not only radiate to your date but will also put you in a better mindframe to get to know someone new and to be truly engaging and interested in the person sitting in front of you.